Grassland birding habitat

Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Northern Shoveler 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

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

4/18/2026Woolley Rd. Subdivision Ponds1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

4/18/202660481, Wilmington US-IL 41.34686, -88.06827 Midewin NTP Crane Count E21 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/17/2026Midewin Natl Tallgrass Prairie--P3 area2 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/16/2026Rt 126 Pond (private property)3 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/14/2026Waa Kee Sha Park1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

4/14/2026O'Hara Woods Nature Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

34/15/2026

Blue-winged Teal

84/15/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/15/2026

Gadwall

144/15/2026

Mallard

24/15/2026

American Coot

24/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

74/15/2026

Great Egret

14/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

74/15/2026

Blue Jay

24/15/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/15/2026

Tree Swallow

74/15/2026

European Starling

44/15/2026

American Robin

34/15/2026

White-throated Sparrow

54/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

74/15/2026

Wood Duck

24/11/2026

Ring-necked Duck

34/11/2026

Caspian Tern

24/11/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/11/2026

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 Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters for birding?
The best months to visit Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters?
Notable species at Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters?
Birding at Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters?
Des Plaines SFWA - Widewaters offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.