Nygren Wetlands

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Nygren Wetlands is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 257 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Mourning Dove 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

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

3/4/2026Rock Cut State Park1 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

3/2/2026Snipe Locale2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

73/5/2026

Mallard

43/5/2026

Killdeer

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

13/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/5/2026

American Tree Sparrow

33/5/2026

Song Sparrow

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

33/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/4/2026

Sandhill Crane

323/4/2026

American Crow

43/4/2026

European Starling

23/4/2026

American Robin

33/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

23/4/2026

American Wigeon

23/3/2026

Northern Pintail

23/3/2026

Green-winged Teal

43/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Nygren Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit Nygren Wetlands for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Nygren Wetlands?
Notable species at Nygren Wetlands include Canada Goose, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Sandhill Crane, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Nygren Wetlands?
Birding at Nygren Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Nygren Wetlands?
Nygren Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.