Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands)

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
ForestGrassland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands) is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 228 species recorded on eBird. This forest and grassland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Common Merganser 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

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

Mallard

33/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

53/6/2026

Bufflehead

23/6/2026

Common Merganser

263/6/2026

American Robin

43/6/2026

American Tree Sparrow

23/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

43/6/2026

Canada Goose

252/27/2026

Bald Eagle

12/27/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

22/27/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/27/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

22/27/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

22/27/2026

House Sparrow

22/27/2026

Common Goldeneye

12/27/2026

Mourning Dove

32/27/2026

American Herring Gull

32/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

22/27/2026

Belted Kingfisher

12/27/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

22/27/2026

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 Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands) for birding?
The best months to visit Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands)?
Notable species at Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands) include Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Bald Eagle, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports forest, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands)?
Birding at Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands)?
Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.