Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
ForestRiver/RiparianGrassland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This forest and river/riparian habitat attracts Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, and Blue Jay 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

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

3/6/2026Busse Woods--Ned Brown Meadow4 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/5/2026Broadsmore Drive Ponds, Algonquin1 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

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

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/4/2026Bensenville Ditch1 observed

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

3/2/2026Raceway Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/2/2026Busse Woods--south pool5 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

3/1/2026Kline Creek Farm3 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

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Blue Jay

13/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

23/2/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/2/2026

American Goldfinch

23/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/2/2026

Canada Goose

42/22/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

32/22/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

32/22/2026

Brown Creeper

12/22/2026

American Robin

12/22/2026

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 Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods for birding?
The best months to visit Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods?
Notable species at Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods include Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, White-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird. The area supports forest, river/riparian, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods?
Birding at Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods?
Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.