Fox River Shores Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
ForestRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fox River Shores Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This forest and river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Common Goldeneye 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

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/5/2026Broadsmore Drive Ponds, Algonquin1 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

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

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

3/2/2026Raceway Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

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

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

3/1/2026Kline Creek Farm3 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

3/1/2026Pingree Grove WTP Marsh1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

2/25/2026

Mallard

2/25/2026

Common Goldeneye

432/25/2026

Common Merganser

252/25/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

22/25/2026

Rock Pigeon

42/25/2026

Killdeer

22/25/2026

Ring-billed Gull

22/25/2026

Great Blue Heron

72/25/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

12/25/2026

Bald Eagle

12/25/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

42/25/2026

Belted Kingfisher

22/25/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

62/25/2026

Downy Woodpecker

22/25/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

12/25/2026

Northern Flicker

12/25/2026

Blue Jay

12/25/2026

American Crow

22/25/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

22/25/2026

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 Fox River Shores Forest Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Fox River Shores Forest Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fox River Shores Forest Preserve?
Notable species at Fox River Shores Forest Preserve include Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser. The area supports forest, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fox River Shores Forest Preserve?
Birding at Fox River Shores Forest Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Fox River Shores Forest Preserve?
Fox River Shores Forest Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.