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

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

7/11/2026Perricone's Hideaway/Valley View, St. Charles1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

7/11/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)4 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

7/9/2026Barrington Road Pond1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/6/2026Riverside Lawn River Trail4 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/6/2026Bensenville Ditch1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/11/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/11/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/11/2026

Blue Jay

27/11/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/11/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

37/11/2026

Gray Catbird

27/11/2026

American Robin

27/11/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/11/2026

Eastern Towhee

37/11/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/11/2026

Common Yellowthroat

27/11/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/11/2026

Indigo Bunting

37/11/2026

Mourning Dove

17/11/2026

Green Heron

17/11/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

27/11/2026

Northern Flicker

47/11/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/11/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

17/11/2026

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.