Forest Park

Missouri · Midwest

Habitat
ForestUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM

About This Location

Forest Park is a productive birding destination in Missouri, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This forest and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Wild Turkey 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

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

3/6/2026George Winter Park (St. Louis Co.)4 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/6/2026Kilmar Woods1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/5/2026Forest Park6 observed

Bullock's Oriole

Icterus bullockii

3/5/2026Fulton Compound1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

3/5/2026Home Muirkirk Lane1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

3/5/2026Timberlake1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/5/2026720 Bent Brook Rd, Des Peres US-MO 38.59442, -90.447311 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/4/2026Horseshoe Lake State Park, Pontoon Beach US-IL 38.69504, -90.071612 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/3/2026Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/3/2026Huntleigh/Lindbergh1 observed

Snow x Greater White-fronted Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x albifrons

3/2/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary2 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

2/28/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

203/6/2026

Mallard

63/6/2026

Wild Turkey

13/6/2026

Mourning Dove

43/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/6/2026

Great Horned Owl

33/6/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/6/2026

American Robin

253/6/2026

House Sparrow

63/6/2026

Song Sparrow

13/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

403/6/2026

Common Grackle

73/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/6/2026

Wood Duck

43/6/2026

Northern Flicker

13/6/2026

Eastern Phoebe

43/6/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

23/6/2026

European Starling

303/6/2026

Eastern Bluebird

13/6/2026

Fox Sparrow

33/6/2026

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

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    This urban green space acts as a migrant trap — birds concentrate here during migration, especially after overnight flights.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Forest Park for birding?
The best months to visit Forest Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Forest Park?
Notable species at Forest Park include Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Mute Swan, Bufflehead, American Herring Gull, American Robin, House Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal. The area supports forest, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Forest Park?
Birding at Forest Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Forest Park?
There is no entrance fee at Forest Park. Hours: Open daily, 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Forest Park?
Forest Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.