Grassland birding habitat

Nachusa Grasslands

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Nachusa Grasslands is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 231 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

5/20/2026Lake Sule/Lyle Kunde Recreation Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Lark Sparrow

25/28/2026

Killdeer

15/23/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/23/2026

Northern Flicker

15/23/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/23/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/23/2026

Bell's Vireo

15/23/2026

Blue Jay

15/23/2026

American Robin

15/23/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

15/23/2026

Field Sparrow

15/23/2026

Henslow's Sparrow

25/23/2026

Song Sparrow

15/23/2026

Bobolink

25/23/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

15/23/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/23/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/23/2026

Dickcissel

15/23/2026

Wood Duck

35/22/2026

Mallard

15/22/2026

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 Nachusa Grasslands for birding?
The best months to visit Nachusa Grasslands for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Nachusa Grasslands?
Notable species at Nachusa Grasslands include Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Harrier, Bobolink. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Nachusa Grasslands?
Birding at Nachusa Grasslands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Nachusa Grasslands?
Nachusa Grasslands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.