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

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

4/15/20266360 151st St, Oak Forest US-IL (41.6174,-87.7757)1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/15/202622649 Sherman Rd, Steger US-IL 41.47746, -87.604232 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/14/2026Marquette Park1 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

4/14/2026Marquette Park1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

4/14/2026O'Hara Woods Nature Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

14/12/2026

Northern Shoveler

34/12/2026

Mallard

14/12/2026

Bufflehead

14/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/12/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/12/2026

Tree Swallow

24/12/2026

American Robin

24/12/2026

Field Sparrow

14/12/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

34/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

64/12/2026

Gadwall

24/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

104/4/2026

Mourning Dove

44/4/2026

Killdeer

14/4/2026

Bald Eagle

14/4/2026

Northern Flicker

14/4/2026

Common Grackle

14/4/2026

Blue-winged Teal

64/3/2026

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.