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

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/15/2026Moraine Hills State Park1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

4/15/2026Bangs Lake--North1 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

4/15/2026Square Barn Rd. and Mackeben Elementary School Fluddle1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/15/2026Darrell Rd. Marsh1 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

4/15/2026Skokie Lagoons Forest Preserve--Willow Rd.1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/15/2026Skokie Lagoons Forest Preserve--Willow Rd.1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/15/2026Broadsmore Drive Ponds, Algonquin1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

124/11/2026

Wood Duck

44/11/2026

Blue-winged Teal

254/11/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/11/2026

Gadwall

44/11/2026

Mallard

104/11/2026

Green-winged Teal

24/11/2026

Ring-necked Duck

144/11/2026

American Coot

1404/11/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/11/2026

Osprey

24/11/2026

Tree Swallow

24/11/2026

American Robin

14/11/2026

Song Sparrow

34/11/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

64/11/2026

Trumpeter Swan

24/11/2026

Bufflehead

14/11/2026

Killdeer

54/11/2026

Wilson's Snipe

14/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/11/2026

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.