Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandForestLake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 267 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, 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

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026US-IL-Bolingbrook-60440 - 41.7277x-88.07391 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

3/1/2026Afton FP--south ponds1 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

3/1/2026Kline Creek Farm3 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

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

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

2/28/2026Ferson Creek Fen Nature Preserve12 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/21/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)3 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

2/20/2026Hawthorne Hill Nature Center1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

163/5/2026

Canada Goose

603/5/2026

Mallard

23/5/2026

Common Merganser

93/5/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

13/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

73/5/2026

Sandhill Crane

13/5/2026

Killdeer

13/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

43/5/2026

American Herring Gull

13/5/2026

Northern Harrier

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/5/2026

European Starling

153/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/5/2026

American Robin

303/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

23/5/2026

White-throated Sparrow

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

503/5/2026

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 Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve?
Notable species at Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Common Merganser, Ring-necked Pheasant. The area supports wetland, forest, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve?
Birding at Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve?
Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.