Blackhawk Springs Birding

There are two entrances to Blackhawk Springs - one at Mulford Road and one at Perryville Road (preserve #14 on the Southeast Forest Preserve Quadrant Map). The Mulford entrance leads through a restored prairie area near a playground and shelterhouse. The birding here is sometimes good for Eastern Kingbirds and various sparrows. From here you can park and begin hiking west towards Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve or go east on the bike path.

The bike path provides an easy walk and a good view of migrating birds. There are trails to the north and south. After crossing a bridge, the north trail leads to an excellent area for woodpeckers, including Pileated. The trail a little ways further goes south. This is the Springs Trail, perhaps the best trail of the preserve.

Along the Springs Trail you quickly come across the namesake of Blackhawk Springs, a small spring that has been known to attract thirsty birds. This is a good stop to listen for Tufted Titmice, Carolina Wrens, and warblers during migration. This trail connects back to the bike path or if you continue south, it winds through the woods along the Kishwaukee River. The trail also connects to the bike path near a bridge over the river and the Perryville parking lot.

If you started at the Perryville entrance the trail begins at the bridge and you have the same reverse options as above. However, as you are heading north, you can take a trail to the east that leads to Espenscheid Memorial Forest Preserve. For really intrepid birders, another option exists. Before crossing the bridge a rough trail leads to the west (near the bathrooms) and goes up and down through some rough terrain. The trail is not well-maintained and perhaps not a trail anymore, but the birding is excellent.