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

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/1/20265700 N Menard Ave, Chicago US-IL (41.9848,-87.7735)1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/1/2026Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park1 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

6/1/2026Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

6/1/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/1/2026Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/31/2026River Park2 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/31/2026Lincoln Park--Diversey Harbor1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

306/1/2026

Mallard

96/1/2026

Mourning Dove

56/1/2026

Chimney Swift

166/1/2026

Killdeer

16/1/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

26/1/2026

American Herring Gull

16/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

56/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Northern Flicker

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

36/1/2026

Blue Jay

16/1/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

26/1/2026

Barn Swallow

26/1/2026

European Starling

86/1/2026

American Robin

166/1/2026

Cedar Waxwing

16/1/2026

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.