Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
ForestGrassland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 246 species recorded on eBird. This forest and grassland habitat attracts Mallard, Canada Goose, and Sandhill Crane 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

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026US-IL-Bolingbrook-60440 - 41.7277x-88.07391 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/2/2026Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center31 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

3/1/2026Kline Creek Farm3 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

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

Great Egret

Ardea alba

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

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

2/24/2026Home - Westmont, IL1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/21/2026Sable Ridge Ponds4 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/21/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

843/5/2026

Gadwall

233/5/2026

Mallard

143/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

73/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

53/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

63/5/2026

Common Merganser

273/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/5/2026

Killdeer

43/5/2026

American Herring Gull

23/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Bald Eagle

13/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

33/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Northern Flicker

23/5/2026

Brown Creeper

13/5/2026

European Starling

53/5/2026

American Robin

83/5/2026

American Tree Sparrow

53/5/2026

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