Forest birding habitat

Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Sandhill Crane 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

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

6/1/2026Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

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

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

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

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

6/1/2026Fabyan Forest Preserve1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/1/2026767 Torrington Drive, Naperville, Illinois, US (41.745, -88.158)

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

5/31/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/31/20262923 Chevy Chase Ln2 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Burnidge Forest Preserve1 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

5/31/2026stakeout Painted Bunting, Aurora (2026)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Northern Flicker

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/30/2026

Blue Jay

75/30/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/30/2026

Northern House Wren

15/30/2026

European Starling

15/30/2026

Gray Catbird

45/30/2026

American Robin

135/30/2026

Baltimore Oriole

25/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

55/30/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/30/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/30/2026

Hooded Warbler

15/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

35/30/2026

Indigo Bunting

15/30/2026

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 Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve?
Notable species at Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve include Canada Goose, Mallard, Sandhill Crane, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve?
Birding at Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve?
Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.