Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 239 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Green-winged Teal 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

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

3/2/2026Raceway Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

3/1/2026Kline Creek Farm3 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

3/1/202623874–24266 Jackson Rd, Marengo US-IL 42.21858, -88.668451 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

3/1/2026Pingree Grove WTP Marsh1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

2/28/2026Ferson Creek Fen Nature Preserve12 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/28/20262541 Ross St, Hampshire US-IL 42.12485, -88.471204 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

2/25/20262541 Ross St, Hampshire US-IL (42.1244,-88.4709)6 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

2/20/2026Highland Ave1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

93/5/2026

Mallard

263/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

13/5/2026

Canvasback

153/5/2026

Redhead

63/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

2103/5/2026

Bufflehead

13/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/5/2026

American Crow

33/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

3/5/2026

Northern Pintail

53/4/2026

Lesser Scaup

13/4/2026

Rock Pigeon

373/4/2026

Sandhill Crane

23/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/4/2026

American Black Duck

23/4/2026

Common Merganser

23/4/2026

Killdeer

13/4/2026

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