Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Mallard 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

Great Egret

Ardea alba

3/6/2026Wood Dale Reservoir1 observed

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

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/4/2026Bensenville Ditch1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/2/2026Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center31 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

3/1/2026Bailey House1 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

3/1/2026Kline Creek Farm3 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

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

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

2/24/2026Home - Westmont, IL1 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

23/4/2026

Trumpeter Swan

23/4/2026

Mallard

283/4/2026

Northern Pintail

103/4/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/4/2026

Common Merganser

53/4/2026

Mourning Dove

13/4/2026

Bald Eagle

13/4/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

13/4/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

33/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Northern Flicker

13/4/2026

Blue Jay

43/4/2026

American Crow

23/4/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

23/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

43/4/2026

Eastern Bluebird

33/4/2026

American Robin

1063/4/2026

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