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

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/20/2026Northbrook House New1 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

7/20/202610300 West Higgins Road, Rosemont, Illinois, US (42, -87.887)2 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/20/2026Northerly Island2 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

7/19/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/19/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

7/18/2026Opa And Oma (House N)

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

7/17/2026Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

267/18/2026

Mallard

67/18/2026

Mourning Dove

47/18/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

47/18/2026

Great Egret

17/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/18/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

37/18/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

27/18/2026

Tree Swallow

47/18/2026

Barn Swallow

27/18/2026

European Starling

47/18/2026

American Robin

27/18/2026

House Sparrow

307/18/2026

American Goldfinch

77/18/2026

Song Sparrow

47/18/2026

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.