West Branch Forest Preserve
Illinois · Midwest
Moderate
April-May, September-October
About This Location
West Branch Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 236 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, and Mallard among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.
Location
Loading map...
Live Bird Data
Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Notable Sightings
Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelis
Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)
Buteo jamaicensis
Eastern Phoebe
Sayornis phoebe
Blue-winged Teal
Spatula discors
Horned Grebe
Podiceps auritus
Whooping Crane
Grus americana
American White Pelican
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
American Pipit
Anthus rubescens
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Greater White-fronted Goose
Canada Goose
Mallard
Common Merganser
Mourning Dove
Sandhill Crane
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
American Tree Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
Northern Cardinal
Great Blue Heron
Birding Tips
- 1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
- 2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
Amenities
More in Illinois
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Chicago's top birding spot where the Magic Hedge traps migrating songbirds.
Jackson Park / Wooded Island
Chicago South Side migrant trap on a historic Wooded Island with 250+ species and outstanding warbler fallouts.
Illinois Beach State Park
Illinois' last natural Lake Michigan shore with 300+ species, shorebird migration, and grassland birds.