Forest birding habitat

Paul Douglas Forest Preserve (Grassy Ridge Meadow)

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
ForestMountainGrassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Paul Douglas Forest Preserve (Grassy Ridge Meadow) is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This forest and mountain 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

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

7/21/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)3 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/20/2026Northbrook House New1 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

7/20/202610300 West Higgins Road, Rosemont, Illinois, US (42, -87.887)2 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

7/19/2026Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)

Setophaga coronata

7/19/2026Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/19/2026Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/19/2026Bur Oak Residence Lake Forest2 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/19/2026Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/19/2026Sports Club Dr. Fluddles1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/19/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

7/18/2026Opa And Oma (House N)

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

117/21/2026

Wood Duck

47/21/2026

Mallard

137/21/2026

Mourning Dove

37/21/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

37/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/21/2026

Green Heron

17/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/21/2026

Osprey

47/21/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/21/2026

Tree Swallow

87/21/2026

Barn Swallow

17/21/2026

Sedge Wren

17/21/2026

Marsh Wren

17/21/2026

European Starling

807/21/2026

American Robin

27/21/2026

American Goldfinch

27/21/2026

Song Sparrow

37/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

67/21/2026

Common Grackle

207/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  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 Paul Douglas Forest Preserve (Grassy Ridge Meadow) for birding?
The best months to visit Paul Douglas Forest Preserve (Grassy Ridge Meadow) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Paul Douglas Forest Preserve (Grassy Ridge Meadow)?
Notable species at Paul Douglas Forest Preserve (Grassy Ridge Meadow) include Red-eyed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Pileated Woodpecker, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird. The area supports forest, mountain, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Paul Douglas Forest Preserve (Grassy Ridge Meadow)?
Birding at Paul Douglas Forest Preserve (Grassy Ridge Meadow) is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Paul Douglas Forest Preserve (Grassy Ridge Meadow)?
Paul Douglas Forest Preserve (Grassy Ridge Meadow) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.