Pine Dunes Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Pine Dunes Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Sandhill Crane 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

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/6/2026Backyard1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

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

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

3/4/2026Prairie Springs Park/Lake Andrea1 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

3/4/2026Illinois Beach SP--North Unit/Camp Logan1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/1/2026Richard Bong SRA (general)2 observed

Common Gull

Larus canus

3/1/2026Pedersen Marina1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

223/5/2026

Mallard

583/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

63/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

13/5/2026

Common Merganser

23/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

33/5/2026

Sandhill Crane

23/5/2026

Killdeer

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/5/2026

American Kestrel

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

13/5/2026

American Crow

13/5/2026

European Starling

23/5/2026

Song Sparrow

23/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

163/5/2026

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