Grassland birding habitat

Orland Grassland

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Grassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Orland Grassland is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 240 species recorded on eBird. This grassland habitat attracts Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, and American Kestrel 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

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

6/1/202657-80 Warehouse Campus Retention Ponds1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

5/30/2026Thorn Creek Headwaters Preserve--east side1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

5/30/2026Orland Grassland1 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

5/30/2026Midewin Natl Tallgrass Prairie--Hoff Rd. Area1 observed

Ring-necked Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

5/30/2026Helmick Nature Preserve/Butterfield Creek Wetlands1 observed

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

5/29/2026McClaughrey Spring Woods1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

16/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

26/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

76/1/2026

Blue Jay

36/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

16/1/2026

Tree Swallow

86/1/2026

European Starling

146/1/2026

Gray Catbird

16/1/2026

American Robin

96/1/2026

Cedar Waxwing

26/1/2026

House Sparrow

56/1/2026

American Goldfinch

86/1/2026

Field Sparrow

26/1/2026

Henslow's Sparrow

56/1/2026

Song Sparrow

16/1/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

66/1/2026

Orchard Oriole

16/1/2026

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 Orland Grassland for birding?
The best months to visit Orland Grassland for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Orland Grassland?
Notable species at Orland Grassland include Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, European Starling, American Robin. The area supports grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Orland Grassland?
Birding at Orland Grassland is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Orland Grassland?
Orland Grassland offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.