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

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

6/1/2026Liberty Prairie Nature Preserve1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

6/1/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/1/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

6/1/2026Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve2 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

6/1/2026Fabyan Forest Preserve1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/31/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

5/31/2026Willow Hill Golf Course, Northbrook3 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

5/31/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

5/31/2026Deer Park Mall Ponds1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Burnidge Forest Preserve1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/31/2026Bridge over Des Plaines River Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

185/31/2026

Wood Duck

215/31/2026

Mallard

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Sandhill Crane

25/31/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

American Kestrel

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/31/2026

Tree Swallow

15/31/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/31/2026

Marsh Wren

15/31/2026

European Starling

25/31/2026

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.