Forest birding habitat

Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve)

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve) is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Mourning Dove 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

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

7/21/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)3 observed

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

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

7/19/2026Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)

Setophaga coronata

7/19/2026Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/19/2026Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/19/2026Bur Oak Residence Lake Forest2 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/19/2026Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

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

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/18/2026Richard Clark Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

157/21/2026

Rock Pigeon

17/21/2026

Mourning Dove

27/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

67/21/2026

Caspian Tern

77/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

57/21/2026

Great Egret

37/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/21/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/21/2026

Barn Swallow

27/21/2026

European Starling

47/21/2026

American Robin

107/21/2026

House Sparrow

67/21/2026

American Goldfinch

27/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

67/21/2026

Osprey

17/21/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/21/2026

Blue Jay

27/21/2026

Gray Catbird

17/21/2026

Common Yellowthroat

27/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  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 Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve) for birding?
The best months to visit Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve)?
Notable species at Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve) include Canada Goose, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, Blue Jay. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve)?
Birding at Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve)?
Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.