Grassland birding habitat

Bensenville Ditch

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Bensenville Ditch is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, and Mallard 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

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

4/14/2026Montrose Dunes, Lincoln Park1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/14/2026Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

4/14/2026Lincoln Park--North Ave. Beach1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/14/2026Lincoln Park--North Ave. Beach1 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

4/14/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

4/14/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

4/14/2026Lincoln Park--South Pond1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

4/14/2026Lincoln Park--South Pond1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

4/14/2026Lincoln Park--South Pond2 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/14/2026chicago river1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

84/12/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

104/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

44/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/12/2026

Great Egret

14/12/2026

House Sparrow

104/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

104/12/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

24/12/2026

Mallard

64/12/2026

Mourning Dove

14/12/2026

Killdeer

14/12/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

14/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/12/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/12/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/12/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/12/2026

Northern Flicker

24/12/2026

Blue Jay

14/12/2026

Tree Swallow

24/12/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

24/12/2026

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 Bensenville Ditch for birding?
The best months to visit Bensenville Ditch for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bensenville Ditch?
Notable species at Bensenville Ditch include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Hooded Merganser. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bensenville Ditch?
Birding at Bensenville Ditch is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bensenville Ditch?
Bensenville Ditch offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.