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DuPage Area Birding Spots
Here is a list of good places to bird in DuPage and
Kane County.
Site Ratings | Bird Habitats |
Acknowledgments | Contact Us
FermiLab: Possibly one of the best places to bird in the county, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory attracts a very large variety of birds. One nice benefit in the winter is that many areas can be birded from the road without getting out of the car. From fall through spring the lakes and ponds often attract all the species of ducks normally seen in DuPage County. The buffalo feeders and north Eola Road also attract Horned Larks, Brewer's Blackbirds, and Lapland Longspurs. You can also look along the roads for hawks. FermiLab also attracts a variety of geese and sometimes swans. Many different sparrows and grassland birds can be seen in the spring and fall near the "Red Barn" and sparrow hedge. Lake Law and A.E. Sea near the Red Barn have hosted numerous waterfowl in the past. A small path leading to the back end of Lake Law can often produce great looks at some of the rarer shorebirds in late summer and early fall (when water levels are low). Highlights in recent years have included Red-Necked Phalarope, Wilson's Phalarope, Black-Bellied Plover, Sanderling, White-Rumped Sandpiper, and Baird's Sandpiper. Sedge Wrens, Henslow's Sparrows, and Bell's Vireos are just a few of the many summering birds. A few types of owls can be found at FermiLab as well. In the fall, Swenson Road Pond is a great spot for shorebirds when enough wet mud is exposed. FermiLab has also attracted many very rare birds. If you want to learn more, be sure to check out Peter Kasper's website at the link below.
NOTE: Please check the FermiLab website for the current status of access. Security has been heightened following 9-11 and access can vary from none, to walk in only, to full drive in access. Don't forget that some areas are still always off limits. Check the Site Map for details.
The main (west) entrance to FermiLab is on Kirk Road. You can also enter on the east side on Batavia Road. The west entrance can be reached by taking I-88 and going north on Kirk Road. The entrance is on the right, past Butterfield Road. The east entrance can be reached by taking I-88 and going north on Route 59. Turn left onto Batavia Road which will run through the site. If the gates are closed visitors can enter through the gates designated for visitors. If they are not working you can push the Call Button and ask them to open the gate. The non-restricted portions of the 6800 acre government site are officially open daily from 6am to 8pm but these times are not heavily enforced and you can get permission to enter during after hours. Please see the site map at the link below to see what areas are open to the public and which areas are restricted.
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Fermi Lab Site
Map
Peter
Kasper's Birds of FermiLab (lots of information)
Recent FermiLab Bird Sightings
Pratt's Wayne Woods: Pratt's Wayne Woods, DuPage County's largest preserve, is a great area for grassland and marsh birds. The marsh near the dog training field has been very attractive to birds like Least Bitterns, Yellow-Headed Blackbirds, and different types of rails. The surrounding grasslands and hedges are also good places to look for sparrows and Bell's Vireos . The area near the Prairie Path is also very productive for birds. Heron, Common Moorhen, warblers, and other birds can occasionally be seen in the area near the west parking lot. Sandhill Cranes have also nested here in the past. Spots along Munger Road are also good for Short-Eared Owls, Redpolls, and other birds some years.
Pratt's Wayne Woods is on Powis Road. It can be reached by taking I-88 and going north on Route 59. Follow Route 59 up and turn west onto Army Trail Road. Then turn right (north) on to Powis Road. The west parking lot is on the left and the dog training field parking lot is on the right. You can also park at the Prairie Path lot along Dunham Road or Army Trail and follow the Prairie Path to the marsh. There are also other areas to park and bird along Powis Road and Munger Road. The 3900 acre preserve is open from an hour after sunrise to an hour after sunset.
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Pratt's Wayne Woods F.P. Map
DuPage Forest
Preserve Description
Springbrook Prairie: Springbrook Prairie is another great spot for grassland and marsh loving birds. The parking lot on the west side of Naperville-Plainfield Road is usually the best place to start. There are a couple sloughs in this area that are good for marsh birds like rails, bitterns, and Sharp-Tailed Sparrows in the fall. The grasslands are excellent for many types of sparrows and Short-Eared Owls can also be seen hunting in the fields at night.. Some of the wooded areas are also great for warblers and other birds. Recent rarities seen here include Mississippi Kite, Northern Mockingbird, and Black Rail. Some of the woods on the east side of Naperville-Plainfield Road are also worth checking out.
Springbrook Prairie is on Naperville-Plainfield Road. It can be reached by taking I-88 to Route 59. Take Route 59 to 75th Street and turn east. Follow 75th a short ways down to Naperville Plainfield Road and turn right (south) The parking lot is a short ways down on the right. The 1787 acre preserve is open from an hour after sunrise to an hour after sunset.
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DuPage Forest Preserve Description
Morton Arboretum: The Morton Arboretum, the "Arb", is a great spot to go birding. It has a variety of trails that weave through the many different tree collections and habitats. It is excellent in the winter months when the conifer trees on Hemlock Hill and Spruce Hill attract crossbills, finches, Evening Grosbeaks, and Saw-Whet Owls some years. In the spring, the area between Parking 20 and Parking 23 can be productive for warblers. Cerulean, Prothonotary, Kentucky, Hooded, Yellow-Throated, and other warblers have been seen in this area. The woods north of parking 15 and 14 are also good for warblers, especially in the late spring. Some of the wet areas on the east side are very good for waterthrushes. The Joy Path is also a popular spot to walk and look for birds. Hummingbirds and Kingfishers are common around Lake Marmo throughout the year. Rarities like Summer Tanagers, Townsend's Solitare, Hermit Warbler, Blue Grosbeak, Western Kingbird, and Bohemian Waxwings have been seen here in the past.
The Morton Arboretum is on Route 53 just north of I-88 and south of Butterfield Road in Lisle. Current Admission (as of 2002) is $7 per car and $3 on Wednesdays. Membership discounts and incentives are also available. The 1700 acre arboretum is open every day of the year from 7am to 5pm (October 28-March 31) and from 7am to 7pm (April 1- October 27). Certain nights it is open later for members during biking nights or during special events.
BIRD HABITAT: Threatened
Although the Morton Arboretum is a great spot for birds,
their main focus is on plants and trees. In recent years some underbrush
enjoyed by birds has been removed to help promote the growth of rare flowers.
The bushes and banks along a stream, once good for waterthrushes, were recently
removed to control erosion. However, the Arb should be commended for
putting up many Bluebird Boxes and trying to attract Wood Ducks.
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Waterfall Glen F.P: Waterfall Glen in the deep south of DuPage County offers a variety of excellent habitats. In the winter the many evergreens often attract a variety of owls including Long-Eared and Saw-Whet Owls as well as Crossbills. In the spring the oak forests and creek attract a variety of warblers and other passerines. Dense understory also attracts many of the rarer species of woodland warblers. In the summer Dickcissels, Grasshopper Sparrows, Orioles, Yellow-Breasted Chats, and other warblers often breed here as well. Highlights in recent years include Black-Headed Grosbeak, American White Pelican, Barred Owl, and Pileated Woodpecker.
Waterfall Glen is located on Cass Ave. The main parking lot can be reached by taking I-55 and turning south onto Cass Ave. The parking lot is on the right near the corner of Cass and Northgate Road. Another good spot to park is further down at the end of Cass Ave. where it turns left (east) and becomes Bluff Road. To reach the Poverty Prairie and savanna take I-55 and turn south onto Lemont Road. Then turn left (east) onto South Bluff Road. There is no parking lot in this area but people regularly park along the side of the road. Print out a copy of the preserve map and take note of where you go because it is easy to get lost. The 2474 acre preserve is open from an hour after sunrise to an hour after sunset.
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Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve Map
DuPage Forest
Preserve Description
Tri-County S.P:
Tri-County State Park is one of the few state-run nature
facilities in NE Illinois. It recently opened to the public in 2003 and has
still not been well explored. The park contains a large stretch of open area
that can be very productive for grassland birding including sparrows, sedge
wrens, and Dickcissels. The marshes can also attract rails, waterfowl, Sandhill
Cranes, and sparrows along the edges. Recent rarities have already included
White-Faced Ibis and "Eastern" Palm Warbler.
Tri-County State Park is located on Sterns Rd. It can be reached by taking
Route 59 to Sterns Road. Turn west onto Sterns Road and look for the entrance
on the right side, past Powis Road. The visitor's center is open Monday through
Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
The 501 acre park is open daily from one hour after sunrise to one hour after
sunset.
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DuPage Forest Preserve Description
Blackwell F.P: Blackwell, mainly geared toward fishermen, has a few great birding spots. Along the service road west of the first parking lot near Butterfield Road (Route 56) there can be a variety of warblers in the spring and fall. The road which use to go to the pool parking lot was abandoned when it was discovered that chemicals from Mount Hoy (once a landfill) were getting into the lake that served as a natural pool. This road will hook up with the regional trail and goes south back to the parking lot. Mount Hoy, which can be accessed from the large parking lot further down the road, is a great spot as well. Red-Tailed Hawks, Broad-Winged Hawks, and other less common hawks and falcons can be seen from the top of the hill in the fall. The fall colors are also spectacular for a small period of time. The body of water north-west of the North Shelter, along Springbrook Creek can be good for ducks, sandpipers and sparrows when water levels are low enough. For the best view, take the Egret Trail or walk to the service road south-west of the parking lot. In spring you can also check out the trail heading south from the last far east parking lot. This area can produce a variety of warblers including Cerulean Warblers during peak years.
| McKee Marsh: McKee Marsh, the northern unit of Blackwell F.P. is the best birding spot in the preserve. The marsh attracts a wide variety of ducks and waterfowl in the spring and fall. It is a good spot to look for Soras and Virginia Rails, though not as much in recent years. The marsh has also attracted a variety of sparrow species. The Catbird Trail can be good for spring warblers some years and the row of hedges along the trail that heads north from the parking lot attract good birds as well. Warblers can often be seen in the deep woods and along the river. The trails near the north and east ends of the preserve can be productive for grassland birds. Shorebirds can also be found when water levels are favorable. In past years rarities including Western Kingbird, Anhinga, and Vermilion Flycatcher have been seen here. |
Blackwell Forest Preserve is on the north side of Butterfield Road which can be reached by taking I-88 and turning north on to Winfield Road. McKee Marsh is on Mack Road which is the next light after Butterfield Road. The entrance is on the north side of the road a little over a mile west. The 1312 acre preserve is open from one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset.
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Blackwell Forest Preserve Map
DuPage Forest
Preserve Description
Herrick Lake F.P: Herrick Lake is a good spot for spring and summer birding. Herrick Marsh on the south end of the preserve is an excellent place to bird. Red-Headed Woodpeckers and Marsh Wrens can usually be expected during the summer months. This area has also attracted some rare summer birds in recent years including Prairie Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Summer Tanager, Yellow-Breasted Chats, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, and a Glossy Ibis. The grasslands around this area are also excellent for a variety of sparrows and grassland birds. The access road west of marker 8 near Herrick Road is usually active with birds in the spring through fall as are many other small isolated areas.
Herrick Lake is located on Butterfield Road. It can be reached by taking I-88 to Naperville Road and going north to Butterfield Road. For easier access to the marsh you can also take Naperville Road north and turn west on Warrenville Road and park just west of the intersection at Warrenville Road and Washington Street. If you keep going west you can turn right (north) on to Herrick Road and park in the grassy area near the access road on the right. These two areas are just along the shoulder but are commonly used by joggers, bikers, and birders / bird-watchers. The 851 acre preserve is open daily from one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset.
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Herrick Lake Forest
Preserve Map
DuPage Forest
Preserve Description
Greene Valley: Greene Valley, located long the DuPage River, is another large forest preserve that is good for birds. The mature woods and quality grasslands are great for birds. Woodcocks, Yellow-Breasted Chats, and other birds enjoy the fields and warblers, winter wrens, and other woodland birds enjoy the mature oak trees and streams. The evergreen trees are also attractive to different types of owls. In the future the preserve also has the potential to become a prime hawk watching spot when the old landfill is opened to the public. Many types of hawks are already seen flying over the area from the ground. From the author's point of view, it has the potential to surpass Blackwell's Mt. Hoy as the best hawk watching spot in DuPage.
Greene Valley F.P. is on 79th Street. It can be reached by taking Route 53 and turning west onto 75th Street. Follow 75th Street a short ways pass the river and turn left (south) onto Greene Road. Then turn right (west) onto 79th Street. The parking lot is on the left. There is also a parking lot on Greene Road if you keep following it straight south. There is also parking on Greene Road north of 75th Street, but this area is not very productive. The 1425 acre preserve is open from an hour after sunrise to an hour after sunset. The landfill hill is also currently open to the public on weekends, but this may change so check the DuPage Forest Preserve website for any updates.
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Greene Valley F.P. Map
DuPage Forest
Preserve Description
West DuPage Woods:
A good spot for warblers is West DuPage Woods. The
preserve has a lot of dense understory and is next to the DuPage River.
Kentucky Warblers, Hooded Warblers, Blue-Winged Warblers and other dense
woodland warblers are most common in this preserve. Many wrens, vireos,
and flycatchers can also be seen in the area. The Habitat Improvement area
and areas along the river are good places to look for birds.
| Elsen's Hill: The best area in the preserve is Elsen's Hill which is on the other side of the river. This area of West DuPage Woods is excellent for most species of warblers including Canada, Wilson's, Hooded, and Mourning. It is probably the best spot in the county to see Connecticut Warblers. It has dense shrubs, mature oak trees, and small fields that provide excellent habitats for birds. The preserve also attracts lots of thrushes and many species of flycatchers. Baltimore Orioles, Scarlet Tanagers, Eastern Towhees, and Green Heron are regularly seen here in the late spring through fall. Many of the trails are muddy and trampled by horses but most of the good birds can be seen along the main trail and the other gravel trails. The dead end trail by the back pond is very productive for warblers. Other highlights in recent years include Red-Shouldered Hawk, American Woodcock, Prairie Warbler, Gray Partridge, and Tufted Titmouse. |
West DuPage Woods is on Route 59. It can be reached by taking I-88 and
going north on Route 59. The preserve is a short ways north of Roosevelt
Road on the left side (east). Elsen's Hill is on Gary's Mill Road.
It can be reached by taking Route 59 and turning east on to Roosevelt Road.
Then turn left (north-east) on to Gary's Mill Road or you can continue down and
turn north (left) on to Winfield Road then turn west (left) on to Gary's Mill
Road. The preserve is on the north side of the street.
The 460 acre preserve is open from an hour after sunrise until an hour after
sunset.
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DuPage
Forest Preserve Description
Map Coming Soon
Maple Grove F.P: Maple Grove is an excellent spot of warblers. In the fall and especially the spring, many species of warblers can be seen here. Some of the best spots are the trees by the picnic field and the bridge by the creak. Other hot spots turn up as well. Woodpecker Marsh is a good spot to look for warblers, thrushes, and Red-Headed Woodpeckers. It is a potentially good spot for Prothonotary Warblers. The Far West Trail can be good for thrushes in the spring. Titmice also frequent the preserve most of the year. Other good birds like Carolina Wren and Summer Tanager have been seen there in recent years.
Maple Grove is on Maple Avenue. It can be reached by taking I-355 to Maple Avenue and going east on Maple Ave. The parking lot is on the south side (left) just the baseball field. The 82 acre preserve is open an hour after sunrise to an hour after sunset. There is also parking on the other (north) end of the preserve but the author prefers the south parking lot.
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Maple
Grove F.P. Map
DuPage Forest
Preserve Description
McDowell Grove: McDowell Grove is a good spot for warblers and other migrating birds. Many of the areas along the river are good for warblers, kinglets, and a variety of different flycatchers. Mud Lake on the north end of the preserve can be good for sandpipers on rare occasions when the water level is low enough. The grasslands attract a variety of different sparrows and other birds. If you want to learn more, check out Robert Rowland's website at the link below. Following the trail all the way east from the main parking lot will also take you back to Lund Lake which has had a number of good birds in the past including shorebirds and terns in early fall, ducks during migration, and Greater White-Fronted Geese in late winter.
McDowell Grove is on River Road (also called Raymond Drive). It can be reached by taking I-88 to Route 59. Go south on Route 59 and turn east (left) on to Diehl Road. The parking lot is at the intersection of Diehl Road and River Road (Raymond Drive). The 426 acre preserve is open from an hour after sunrise to an hour after sunset.
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McDowell Grove F.P. Map
Robert
Rowland's Birds of McDowell Grove
DuPage Forest
Preserve Description
Hidden Lake F.P: Hidden Lake is another great place to go birding and is located right near the Arboretum. Hidden Lake is a great spot for ducks in the spring and fall. Many ducks can be seen on the river east of the bridge. In the winter the water is often slow to freeze and will attract ducks and other birds. Hawks including Kestrels, Red-Shouldered Hawks, and occasionally Merlins also frequent the fields in winter months. The wooded areas south and west of the river are great for spring and fall warblers. Wilson's, Connecticut, Black-Throated Blue, Worm-Eating, and other warblers enjoy the dense underbrush. The fields on the north end of the preserve are also good for grassland birds. Avocets, Common Loons and other rare waterfowl have been seen here in the past.
Hidden Lake is on Route 53 north of I-88 and just south of Butterfield Road in Lisle. The 390 acre preserve is open daily from one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset.
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DuPage Forest Preserve Description
Danada F.P: Danada, usually known for it's equestrian center, is also a nice place for birding. Rice Lake on the northern end of the preserve can be productive for terns, ducks and other waterfowl. It can be reached from the trail that heads north from the stables or along Leask Lane south of Butterfield Road. The woods can also be productive for warblers and owls.
Danada Forest Preserve is on Naperville Road north of I-88 and south of Butterfield Road. The main parking lot is on the east side of the road. There is a stop light at the intersection. The 753 acre preserve is open daily from one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset. The Equestrian Center is open most days from 9am to 5pm
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Danada Forest Preserve Map
DuPage Forest
Preserve Description
Winfield Mounds F.P: Winfield Mounds, one of the lesser know forest preserves is a good spot for spring warblers. The trail leading back to the mounds can be very productive and often turns up some of the more uncommon warbler species including Canada, Mourning, Hooded, and Wilson's Warblers. In the summer the grasslands also attract a variety of sparrow species and other grassland birds. Areas along the river can also attract Orioles, Vireos, Flycatchers, and other birds.
Winfield Mounds is located on Winfield Road. It can be reached by taking Roosevelt Road and turning north onto Winfield Road or by taking Geneva Road and turning south onto Winfield Road. There is no parking lot, but you can park along Winfield Road near Geneva Road and walk along the bike path. Take the bike path south and go left at the T-Intersection then follow the small bark chip trail south. You can also go west (right) at the T-Intersection and continue along the bike path. The 360 acre preserve is open from an hour after sunrise to an hour after sunset.
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DuPage Forest Preserve Description
West Chicago Prairie: West Chicago Prairie is a good spot for some types of grassland birds. Woodcocks and Yellow-Breasted Chats are some of the highlights of the preserve. The author has not had much experience with this preserve other than for these types of birds.
West Chicago Prairie is on Industrial Drive. It can be reached by taking I-88 and going north on Route 59. Then turn left (west) onto Hawthorn Lane. Follow Hawthorn a little ways down. Then turn left (south) onto Industrial Drive. The preserve is on the left (east) side of the road. The Prairie Path also cuts through the preserve. The 313 acre preserve is open from an hour after sunrise to an hour after sunset.
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DuPage Forest Preserve Description
Timber Ridge F.P:
Most of this preserve is not easily accessible. The
only well maintained trail is the prairie path which runs through the preserve.
The author has never birded this section of the preserve but has heard that it
can be good for warblers and other birds.
| Kline Creek Farm: This small area of the preserve has not been very productive for birding but the creek can attract birds in the spring. The best spot is the trail along the lake off of Geneva Road. Sandpipers and some types of waterfowl can be seen here if conditions are right. It's usually better for sunsets than for birds. |
Timber Ridge is on County Farm Road. It can be reached by taking North Avenue to County Farm Road. The preserve is on the west side of the road. The lake can be reached by continuing down County Farm Road and parking in the lot at the corner of Geneva and County Farm. The 1110 acre preserve is open from an hour after sunrise to an hour after sunset. The Kline Creek Farm buildings are open Thursday through Monday from 9am to 5pm, but are closed on major holidays.
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Kline Creek Farm Map
DuPage Forest
Preserve Description
Songbird Slough: Songbird Slough is a good spot for grassland birds and some marsh loving birds. The area around the slough is good for sparrows, rails, and grebes. Trails leading out from the far back parking lot go around the slough. Trails by the first parking lot also go by nice grasslands, smaller ponds, and forest edges that can be productive. Hawks are also often perched on the power lines and in the trees overlooking the field.
Songbird Slough is on Mill Road. It can be reached by taking Amry Trail Road to Mill Road and going north. It can also be reached by taking Irving Park Road and turning south onto Mill Road. The preserve entrance is on the west side of the street. The 391 acre preserve is open from an hour after sunrise to an hour after sunset.
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DuPage Forest Preserve Description
Lincoln Marsh: Although not a well known marsh by birders, Lincoln Marsh can be productive. The marsh often attracts Virginia Rails and Soras which can occasionally be seen from the observation area on the prairie path. The marsh has also attracted American Bitterns and other marsh dwellers. Goose Island, once heavily populated by geese, has since been turned into excellent habitat for warblers. The mature oak trees are a good spot to look in the spring. The trail that goes around the perimeter of the marsh is also worth checking out. In the fall many warblers are attracted to the underbrush and fruit bearing bushes. Some years Black-Crowned Night-Herons can be found here in large numbers. A Little Blue Heron also showed up at the marsh during one recent year.
Lincoln Marsh is located at the corner of Pierce and Harrison. It can be reached by taking North Avenue and turning south onto County Farm. Take County Farm south and turn East (left) on to Harrison. The parking lot is at the end of the street. The 100 acre preserve opens an hour after sunrise. NOTE: the preserve parking lot closes promptly at sunset, but if you get there near opening or closing time, you can park in the bus parking area along the street.
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DuPage Forest Preserve Description
Lyman Woods: Lyman Woods is another good area for warblers. The bottomland woods on the south end of the preserve are the best spot to look. The marsh and mature trees can attract a variety of warblers in the spring including Cerulean Warbler and Worm-eating Warbler. Some of the smaller wet areas are also good for waterthrushes. The woodlands, hedges and meadows are also great for Red-headed Woodpeckers, Eastern Bluebirds, vireos, tanagers, and other birds. A Northern Mockingbird was also seen here in the spring of 2005. You can also visit the nature center on site. Check the links below for the hours of operation.
Lyman Woods is located on Highland Avenue. It can be reached by taking I-88 to Highland Avenue and going south. Take Highland Ave. and turn east (left) on to 31st. The parking lot is a short distance down on the right (south side). The 133 acre preserve, run by the DuPage Forest Preserve and the Downers Grove Park District, is open from an hour after sunrise until an hour after sunset.
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Downer's Grove Park District Description
DuPage Forest Preserve Description
Lyman Woods Map (.pdf)
Mallard Lake: Mallard Lake, although not very productive, can be good for rare types of ducks, grebes, and occasionally loons in the late fall. The author has not ventured around on many of the trails in this preserve.
Mallard Lake is on Cloverdale Road. It can be reached by taking Route 20 (Lake Street) to Cloverdale Road. You can also take Gary Ave. and turn west onto Schick Road. Then turn right (north) onto Thorn Road. At the T-intersection turn left and follow the road to the entrance of the preserve which is on the left side (west). The 949 acre preserve is open from an hour after sunrise to an hour after sunset.
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DuPage Forest Preserve Description
West Branch F.P: West Branch Forest Preserve is best known for it's fishing, but recently it has been a good location for Common Loons and some other waterfowl in the spring. Owls have also been found in the pines during the winter. Warblers can occasionally be seen in the spring along the DuPage River as well. Note that fishermen are often in abundance some days and thus birds are not.
West Branch Forest Preserve is located on Army Trail Road. It can by taking I-88 and going north on Route 59. Follow Route 59 up and turn east (right) onto Army Trail Road. The parking lot is about a mile down on the right. This 632 acre preserve is open from an hour after sunrise to an hour after sunset
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DuPage Forest Preserve Description
Value City Marsh:
Value City Marsh, rather than a marsh, is really just a
very large retention pond, though actually a connecting part of a small creek.
The extensive large mudflats often attract a variety of shorebirds during
spring and especially fall migration. It is also an excellent spot to go to see
Caspian Terns and Forster's Terns. Herons and ducks can also often be viewed on
the lake.
Value City Marsh is located on Gary Ave. It can be reached by taking North Ave.
(Route 64) to Gary Ave. Turn north onto Gary and follow it to the Value City
Department store. Turn at the first stoplight before/south of the intersection
at Gary Ave. and Army Trail Rd. The "marsh" can be viewed from the store
parking lot in front and in back. Best views of the birds are usually obtained
from the back parking lot near the docking area.
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Eola Road (Radio Tower) Marsh: Eola Road Marsh is a small but productive marsh. Many types of egrets and herons have been seen here as well as terns, rails, and some types of waterfowl.
Eola Road Marsh is on Eola Road south of I-88 and just south of the bridge that goes over the railroad tracks. The lake can be viewed from the first road on the west side past the railroad tracks. There is no parking so you either have to park at the radio station (often inviting, but not always) or view from along the road.
BIRD HABITAT: Endangered
This marsh is closely surrounded by residential homes, the
railroad tracks, and some industrial buildings. The marsh appears to be
very stressed and will most likely not attract as much as it once did.
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Aurora/Liberty Marsh: Aurora/Liberty Marsh is another small but productive marsh. Many types of egrets and herons have been seen here as well as terns, rails, and some types of waterfowl. Similar to the birds seen at Eola Road/Radio Tower Marsh.
Aurora Liberty Marsh is on Liberty Street south of I-88 and south of the Eola Rd. bridge that goes over the railroad tracks. Going south from I-88 turn left (east) onto Liberty Street. There is no parking for the marsh, but there is a small area to pull off. Look for the forest preserve gate past the industrial buildings and before the railroad tracks that cross Liberty St.
BIRD HABITAT: Threatened
Development is slowly surrounding the marsh area and
taking up adjacent wetlands that were not preserved.
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DuPage Forest
Preserve Description
Springbrook Nature Center: Springbrook Nature Center, run by the village of Itasca, is home to many caged raptors that cannot survive on their own and offers many educational programs. The grounds around the nature center can be good for warblers in the spring as well as woodpeckers and sparrows in winter months. The areas further out near I-290 can also be productive for many grassland birds and marsh loving birds.
Springbrook Nature Center is on Grove Street. It
can be reached by taking Route 53 (later called Rohling Rd.) north to Irving
Park Rd. Turn east (right) onto Irving Park (Route 19). Follow this
road east and then turn south (right) onto Maple St. Take Maple Street one
block south to Grove Street. Turn west onto Grove Street and follow it
straight back to the nature center.
The 60+ acre preserve is open from sunrise to sunset.
As of 2002 the Nature Center building hours are: June - August 11:30 - 5:00pm.
September - May 1:00 - 5:00pm. (Closed Mondays & Holidays)
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Springbrook Nature Center Map
Springbrook
Nature Center Website
Willowbrook Wildlife Center: "Willowbrook Wildlife Center is a wildlife rehabilitation and education center, providing care and medical treatment for injured and orphaned native wildlife. The Center also provides learning experiences for DuPage County residents to help them live in closer harmony with native northeastern Illinois wildlife and to better understand the natural world." The preserve can get some good species of woodland warblers in the spring including Connecticut Warblers. The feeders also attract good birds in the winter. In past winters Purple Finches and even a Carolina Chickadee have stopped by to eat at the feeders.
Willowbrook Wildlife Center is on Park Blvd. It can be reached by taking I-355 and going west on Butterfield Road or Roosevelt Road. From Roosevelt turn south onto Park and from Butterfield Road turn north onto Park. The preserve is on the east side of the road at the corner of Park Blvd. and 22nd Street (Fawell Blvd.) The wildlife center including the 50 acre preserve is open every day except major holidays. Summer hours are 9am to 5pm, and winter hours are 9am to 4pm.
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Willowbrook Wildlife Center Map
DuPage Forest
Preserve Description
DuPage Co. Airport: Although the airport is not a very good place for birds. It has been one of the only somewhat reliable locations in DuPage County where you can find Western Meadowlarks. The birds usually arrive some time in the spring and stay through early to mid summer. However, these birds have not been reported from the area for the past couple years.
The DuPage County Airport is on North Ave. (Route 64). The Western Meadowlarks are usually seen along Powis Road which can be reached by taking North Ave. west from Chicago and turning south onto Powis Road.
BIRD HABITAT: Endangered
As a holding of the airport this area has been subject to
uncontrolled mowing that has discouraged birds from nesting in recent years.
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DuPage Airport Road
Map
The DuPage Airport
Website
Knollwood Boat Launch: The Knollwood Boat Launch in Burr Ridge, recently discovered in 2001, is an excellent location for Prothonotary Warblers. In the spring of 2001 as many as six individuals were being seen and some may have been nesting in the area. This small park can also be productive for some other warbler species.
The Knollwood Boat Launch is one block east of the southern end of Madison Street in Burr Ridge. It can be reached by taking I-88 to Route 83 and going south. Then turn east onto 63rd Street. Follow this road a short ways east to Madison Street. Turn south (right) onto Madison Street and follow it all the way south to the Des Plaines River.
