Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Red-headed Woodpecker among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

3/4/2026Busse Woods, Rolling Meadows US-IL 42.04751, -88.025633 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

3/4/2026Illinois Beach SP--North Unit/Camp Logan1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

3/4/20261207 Dobson1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026Fourth Lake--Millennium Trail Overlook1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/2/2026Busse Woods--south pool5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

113/4/2026

Mallard

23/4/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

43/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

43/4/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Blue Jay

23/4/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

13/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

23/4/2026

American Robin

53/4/2026

Cedar Waxwing

113/4/2026

House Finch

13/4/2026

American Tree Sparrow

63/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

13/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

53/4/2026

Common Goldeneye

13/4/2026

Mourning Dove

23/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve?
Notable species at Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve include Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve?
Birding at Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve?
Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.