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

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

7/12/2026Volbrecht Rd. Fluddle, Ford Heights1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/6/2026Riverside Lawn River Trail4 observed

Ring-necked Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

7/6/2026Helmick Nature Preserve/Butterfield Creek Wetlands1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/5/2026Orland Grassland1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

7/3/2026Thorn Creek Headwaters Preserve--east side1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/1/2026Carlson Pond (Private Property)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/13/2026

Killdeer

27/13/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/13/2026

Barn Swallow

27/13/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/13/2026

American Robin

47/13/2026

American Goldfinch

17/13/2026

Song Sparrow

47/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

77/13/2026

Common Grackle

47/13/2026

Common Yellowthroat

57/13/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/13/2026

Canada Goose

17/12/2026

Green Heron

27/12/2026

Great Egret

27/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/12/2026

Tree Swallow

37/12/2026

Wood Duck

57/12/2026

Mallard

267/12/2026

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.