Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 255 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Mallard 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

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/6/2026Center St, Grayslake US-IL 42.34477, -88.009071 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/5/2026Broadsmore Drive Ponds, Algonquin1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/5/2026Chain-o-Lakes State Park1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026Fourth Lake--Millennium Trail Overlook1 observed

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

3/2/2026Raceway Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Common Gull

Larus canus

3/1/2026Pedersen Marina1 observed

Common Gull (Russian)

Larus canus

3/1/2026Lake Marie1 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

203/5/2026

Trumpeter Swan

23/5/2026

Mallard

303/5/2026

American Black Duck

33/5/2026

Redhead

503/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

3/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

3/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

13/5/2026

Sandhill Crane

23/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

3/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

3/4/2026

Hooded Merganser

3/4/2026

Common Merganser

3/4/2026

Bald Eagle

13/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

23/4/2026

American Robin

153/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

33/4/2026

Canvasback

13/4/2026

American Crow

13/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh?
Notable species at Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, American Black Duck, Redhead. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh?
Birding at Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh?
Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.