Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, and Canada Goose 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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/4/2026East Fork Lake4 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

3/4/2026Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands (Wayne Co.)1 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/4/2026Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands (Wayne Co.)1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/4/2026Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands (Wayne Co.)2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands (Richland Co.)6 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

3/3/2026Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands (Wayne Co.)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

303/4/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

53/4/2026

Canada Goose

63/4/2026

Wood Duck

153/4/2026

Northern Shoveler

253/4/2026

Gadwall

343/4/2026

American Wigeon

23/4/2026

Mallard

603/4/2026

Northern Pintail

453/4/2026

Green-winged Teal

23/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

153/4/2026

Hooded Merganser

83/4/2026

Wild Turkey

33/4/2026

Mourning Dove

103/4/2026

American Coot

23/4/2026

Killdeer

123/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/4/2026

Horned Grebe

123/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/4/2026

Northern Harrier

13/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands?
Notable species at Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands include Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands?
Birding at Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands?
Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.