Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Northern Shoveler 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

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

2/27/2026S Cemetery Rd, Braidwood US-IL1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

2/27/2026Rural Morris IL1 observed

Great Egret

Ardea alba

2/26/2026Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve2 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/21/2026Sable Ridge Ponds4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1003/1/2026

Trumpeter Swan

13/1/2026

Northern Shoveler

143/1/2026

Gadwall

503/1/2026

Mallard

263/1/2026

Bufflehead

43/1/2026

Hooded Merganser

63/1/2026

Common Merganser

403/1/2026

American Coot

123/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

83/1/2026

American Herring Gull

43/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

53/1/2026

Belted Kingfisher

23/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

83/1/2026

Cackling Goose

23/1/2026

American Wigeon

23/1/2026

Northern Pintail

43/1/2026

Green-winged Teal

23/1/2026

American Robin

23/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters for birding?
The best months to visit Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters?
Notable species at Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters?
Birding at Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters?
Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.