River Bend Forest Preserve
Illinois · Midwest
Moderate
April-May, September-October
About This Location
River Bend Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This forest and river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Killdeer among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.
Location
Loading map...
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
Blue-winged Teal
Spatula discors
Tree Swallow
Tachycineta bicolor
Redpoll
Acanthis flammea
Sandhill Crane
Antigone canadensis
Orange-crowned Warbler
Leiothlypis celata
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
American Woodcock
Barred Owl
American Robin
White-throated Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Northern Cardinal
Northern Shoveler
Killdeer
Ring-billed Gull
Turkey Vulture
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Birding Tips
- 1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
- 2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
Amenities
More in Illinois
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Chicago's top birding spot where the Magic Hedge traps migrating songbirds.
Jackson Park / Wooded Island
Chicago South Side migrant trap on a historic Wooded Island with 250+ species and outstanding warbler fallouts.
Illinois Beach State Park
Illinois' last natural Lake Michigan shore with 300+ species, shorebird migration, and grassland birds.
Illinois Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Illinois →