Grassland birding habitat

Gremel Wildlife Nature Preserve/Green Wing Environmental Laboratory

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Gremel Wildlife Nature Preserve/Green Wing Environmental Laboratory is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 221 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and Red-headed 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

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

5/29/2026Nachusa Grasslands (Lee Co.)1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)

Setophaga coronata

5/26/2026Gremel Wildlife Nature Preserve/Green Wing Environmental Laboratory1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/25/2026Lake Kakusha2 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/25/2026Gremel Wildlife Nature Preserve/Green Wing Environmental Laboratory2 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

5/25/2026Gremel Wildlife Nature Preserve/Green Wing Environmental Laboratory1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

5/24/2026Page Park1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/19/2026Chicago Rd. Fluddle2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

15/31/2026

Blue-winged Teal

15/31/2026

Mallard

115/31/2026

Wild Turkey

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Killdeer

85/31/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

35/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

35/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

45/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

25/31/2026

Eastern Phoebe

25/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

55/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/31/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

25/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

35/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

35/31/2026

Blue Jay

35/31/2026

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 Gremel Wildlife Nature Preserve/Green Wing Environmental Laboratory for birding?
The best months to visit Gremel Wildlife Nature Preserve/Green Wing Environmental Laboratory for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Gremel Wildlife Nature Preserve/Green Wing Environmental Laboratory?
Notable species at Gremel Wildlife Nature Preserve/Green Wing Environmental Laboratory include Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Gremel Wildlife Nature Preserve/Green Wing Environmental Laboratory?
Birding at Gremel Wildlife Nature Preserve/Green Wing Environmental Laboratory is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Gremel Wildlife Nature Preserve/Green Wing Environmental Laboratory?
Gremel Wildlife Nature Preserve/Green Wing Environmental Laboratory offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.