Centennial Trail - West of Rt. 83

Illinois · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

GrasslandWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Centennial Trail - West of Rt. 83 is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 231 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, and Mallard among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Northern Shoveler Gadwall Mallard Common Merganser Mourning Dove

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

4/15/2026Whalon Lake Forest Preserve1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

4/15/2026Turtlehead Lake Forest Preserve1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

4/15/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)2 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/15/2026Oldfield Oaks Forest Preserve1 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/15/2026Thatcher Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/15/2026Marquette Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/15/2026G.A.R. Woods1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

74/9/2026

Wood Duck

94/9/2026

Blue-winged Teal

54/9/2026

Mallard

84/9/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

24/9/2026

Mourning Dove

104/9/2026

Sandhill Crane

14/9/2026

Ring-billed Gull

94/9/2026

American Herring Gull

44/9/2026

Caspian Tern

104/9/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

844/9/2026

Turkey Vulture

44/9/2026

Osprey

64/9/2026

Bald Eagle

34/9/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/9/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

14/9/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

114/9/2026

Downy Woodpecker

154/9/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

34/9/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/9/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Illinois

Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary

Chicago's top birding spot where the Magic Hedge traps migrating songbirds.

Jackson Park / Wooded Island

Chicago South Side migrant trap on a historic Wooded Island with 250+ species and outstanding warbler fallouts.

Illinois Beach State Park

Illinois' last natural Lake Michigan shore with 300+ species, shorebird migration, and grassland birds.

Illinois Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Illinois →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Centennial Trail - West of Rt. 83 for birding?▼

The best months to visit Centennial Trail - West of Rt. 83 for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Centennial Trail - West of Rt. 83?▼

Notable species at Centennial Trail - West of Rt. 83 include Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Common Merganser, Mourning Dove. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Centennial Trail - West of Rt. 83?▼

Birding at Centennial Trail - West of Rt. 83 is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Centennial Trail - West of Rt. 83?▼

Centennial Trail - West of Rt. 83 offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.