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

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

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

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/15/2026Thatcher Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

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

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

4/14/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/14/2026Morton Arboretum--West Side1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/14/2026Waa Kee Sha Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

4/14/2026Morton Arboretum--East Side1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/14/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/14/2026

Wood Duck

24/14/2026

Mallard

84/14/2026

Mourning Dove

14/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/14/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/14/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/14/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

14/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

34/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

34/14/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Northern Flicker

54/14/2026

Blue Jay

74/14/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

44/14/2026

Tree Swallow

54/14/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

74/14/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/14/2026

Brown Creeper

14/14/2026

Winter Wren

14/14/2026

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.