North Park Village is a hidden nature oasis on the north side. This Chicago Park District nature preserve contains 46 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and grassland. The Nature Center is located within the North Park Village campus, a former tuberculosis sanitarium that now includes an apartment complex and offices in the original buildings—including Chicago Bird Alliance’s office.
Garfield Park
Garfield Park is the westmost part of the Chicago Park and Boulevard System. It features a large set of lagoons with marshy borders, an island, and shrubby areas. The best areas for birding are around the western lagoon. The famous Garfield Park Conservatory is two blocks north on Central Park Boulevard.
Thatcher Woods Forest Preserve
Located on the eastern bank of the Des Plaines River, Thatcher Woods has miles of unpaved walking trails through woodlands and floodplain forest. Birding highlights are spring and fall migration as birds migrate along the Des Plaines River Valley. Visitors to the Hal Tyrrell Trailside Museum of Natural History will discover displays of live native animals, colorful wildflower gardens, information about local wildlife and their habitats, and more.
Gillson Park
Camp Pine Woods Forest Preserve
Washington Park
Bartel Grasslands
Black Partridge Woods
Morton Arboretum
Waterfall Glenn Forest Preserve
Orland Grassland
McClaughry Springs Woods
Enriched by the creek that meanders through it, this scenic preserve is a migration hotspot, with over 120 species having been recorded.
It is particularly good for warblers in May, including the locally uncommon Louisiana Waterthrush. Nesters include Barred Owl and Tufted Titmouse.
11200 South Kean Avenue, Palos Hills
Saganashkee Slough
This large deep lake has attracted most of the duck species known to occur in Illinois.
Other waterbirds (Common Loon, grebes, Bald Eagles, Ospreys) are also excellent possibilities.
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Overlooking Long John Slough, this facility of the Cook County Forest Preserve District is surrounded by excellent habitat easily reached on foot.
Numerous land and waterbirds migrate through the area, and over 80 species are known to breed here.
Also includes a new visitor center with additional live animals and exhibits, children’s activity room, and more
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs, 60480
Ottawa Woods
This wooded area on the east side of the Des Plaines River can be excellent in spring and fall for migrating thrushes, warblers and other land birds.
Five species of woodpeckers and two species of cuckoos have summered here.
4099 South Harlem Avenue, Berwyn, IL 60402
Bemis Woods South
A large variety of migrant songbirds, as well as cuckoos, veeries and other breeding species, use this 400-acre wooded area on Salt Creek.
11500 Ogden Avenue, Western Springs, IL60558
