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

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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

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

6/1/202657-80 Warehouse Campus Retention Ponds1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

5/30/2026Thorn Creek Headwaters Preserve--east side1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

5/30/2026Orland Grassland1 observed

Ring-necked Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

5/30/2026Helmick Nature Preserve/Butterfield Creek Wetlands1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

5/30/2026Park No. 5661 observed

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

5/29/2026McClaughrey Spring Woods1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

25/29/2026

Mallard

25/29/2026

Great Egret

15/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/29/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/29/2026

Tree Swallow

45/29/2026

Barn Swallow

55/29/2026

European Starling

55/29/2026

Field Sparrow

25/29/2026

Henslow's Sparrow

25/29/2026

Song Sparrow

25/29/2026

Bobolink

45/29/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

35/29/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

205/29/2026

Common Yellowthroat

35/29/2026

Canada Goose

25/29/2026

Ring-billed Gull

25/29/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/29/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

25/29/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/29/2026

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.