Silver Springs SFWA

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Silver Springs SFWA is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland 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

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

3/1/2026Afton FP--south ponds1 observed

Great Egret

Ardea alba

2/26/2026Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve2 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/21/2026Sable Ridge Ponds4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

103/4/2026

Mallard

23/4/2026

Common Merganser

103/4/2026

Mourning Dove

13/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/4/2026

Bald Eagle

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Blue Jay

93/4/2026

American Crow

33/4/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

23/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/4/2026

Brown Creeper

13/4/2026

Carolina Wren

23/4/2026

American Robin

93/4/2026

House Finch

13/4/2026

American Goldfinch

13/4/2026

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