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 204 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, 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

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

Greater White-fronted Goose

503/4/2026

Canada Goose

23/4/2026

Northern Shoveler

103/4/2026

Gadwall

153/4/2026

Mallard

203/4/2026

Northern Pintail

103/4/2026

Killdeer

23/4/2026

Bald Eagle

23/4/2026

Northern Flicker

13/4/2026

American Kestrel

13/4/2026

American Crow

43/4/2026

Horned Lark

23/4/2026

European Starling

103/4/2026

American Robin

103/4/2026

House Sparrow

43/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

23/4/2026

Song Sparrow

13/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

253/4/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

83/4/2026

Rusty Blackbird

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 Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard. 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.