Grassland birding habitat

Bartel Grassland

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Grassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Bartel Grassland is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This grassland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Killdeer among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

4/15/2026Turtlehead Lake Forest Preserve1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/15/2026Oldfield Oaks Forest Preserve1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

4/15/2026Kedzie-Eagle Lake wetland (Roadside only)1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

4/15/2026Kedzie-Eagle Lake wetland (Roadside only)1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/15/202622649 Sherman Rd, Steger US-IL 41.47746, -87.604232 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/15/2026Marquette Park1 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

4/14/2026Marquette Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/13/2026McClaughrey Spring Woods1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/13/2026Marquette Park1 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/13/2026Marquette Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

14/11/2026

Ring-billed Gull

34/11/2026

Caspian Tern

24/11/2026

Great Blue Heron

34/11/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

74/11/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

174/11/2026

Common Grackle

84/11/2026

American Kestrel

14/11/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/11/2026

Canada Goose

84/10/2026

Blue-winged Teal

44/10/2026

Mallard

54/10/2026

Wilson's Snipe

84/10/2026

Osprey

14/10/2026

European Starling

164/10/2026

American Robin

84/10/2026

Field Sparrow

14/10/2026

American Tree Sparrow

24/10/2026

Song Sparrow

64/10/2026

Swamp Sparrow

34/10/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bartel Grassland for birding?
The best months to visit Bartel Grassland for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bartel Grassland?
Notable species at Bartel Grassland include Canada Goose, Mallard, Killdeer, American Tree Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird. The area supports grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bartel Grassland?
Birding at Bartel Grassland is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bartel Grassland?
Bartel Grassland offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.