Grassland birding habitat

Douglas-Hart Nature Center

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Douglas-Hart Nature Center is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Great Horned Owl, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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 Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/16/2026Panther Trail Area1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/16/2026Private property1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/15/2026Bruce Boat Ramp4 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

4/15/2026Bruce Boat Ramp1 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/15/202661938, Mattoon US-IL 39.49311, -88.290781 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/14/2026Lake Charleston1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/14/2026Lake Charleston1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/14/2026Lake Charleston1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/13/2026Lakeview Park, Charleston3 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/12/2026Fox Ridge State Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

44/16/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/16/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/16/2026

Blue Jay

14/16/2026

American Crow

14/16/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/16/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

14/16/2026

Northern House Wren

14/16/2026

Carolina Wren

14/16/2026

European Starling

24/16/2026

American Robin

44/16/2026

House Sparrow

104/16/2026

House Finch

104/16/2026

American Goldfinch

44/16/2026

White-throated Sparrow

24/16/2026

Song Sparrow

14/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

44/16/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

44/16/2026

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 Douglas-Hart Nature Center for birding?
The best months to visit Douglas-Hart Nature Center for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Douglas-Hart Nature Center?
Notable species at Douglas-Hart Nature Center include Canada Goose, Great Horned Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, American Crow. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Douglas-Hart Nature Center?
Birding at Douglas-Hart Nature Center is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Douglas-Hart Nature Center?
Douglas-Hart Nature Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.