Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Sawmill Creek Area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
ForestRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Sawmill Creek Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This forest and river/riparian habitat attracts Common Goldeneye, Bald Eagle, and Belted Kingfisher 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

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/5/2026Helmick Nature Preserve / Butterfield Creek Wetlands15 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

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Goldeneye

103/4/2026

Bald Eagle

13/4/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/4/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

53/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

43/4/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Northern Flicker

23/4/2026

Blue Jay

33/4/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

63/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

73/4/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

13/4/2026

Brown Creeper

33/4/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/4/2026

American Robin

403/4/2026

American Goldfinch

13/4/2026

American Tree Sparrow

33/4/2026

Fox Sparrow

23/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

83/4/2026

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 - Sawmill Creek Area for birding?
The best months to visit Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Sawmill Creek Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Sawmill Creek Area?
Notable species at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Sawmill Creek Area include Common Goldeneye, Bald Eagle, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports forest, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Sawmill Creek Area?
Birding at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Sawmill Creek Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Sawmill Creek Area?
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Sawmill Creek Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.