Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Common Merganser 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

Great Egret

Ardea alba

3/6/2026Wood Dale Reservoir1 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

3/6/2026Busse Woods--Ned Brown Meadow4 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/5/2026Broadsmore Drive Ponds, Algonquin1 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

3/5/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 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

403/5/2026

Mallard

143/5/2026

Common Merganser

13/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

Killdeer

23/5/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

43/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

83/5/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

23/5/2026

Blue Jay

23/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

33/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

33/5/2026

European Starling

103/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

83/5/2026

American Robin

453/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

223/5/2026

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