Deer Run Birding

Deer Run Forest Preserve has beautiful prairie flowers and many nesting birds. The rare and secretive Henslow's Sparrow (below) breeds here along with seven other confirmed sparrow species. A total of thirteen sparrow species can be seen within the preserve.

Other prairie birds include Sedge Wrens, Dickcissels, Orchard Orioles, Bluebirds, Eastern Meadowlarks, Tree Swallows, and Red-winged Blackbirds. Turkey Vultures, Wood Ducks, Great Blue Herons, Red-tailed Hawks, and Sandhill Cranes frequently fly over the prairie.

The trail around the prairie begins at the equestrian parking lot and it fairly easy to navigate. There are breaks of trees where you can find Orchard Orioles and a farm field where Kildeer are usually hanging around.