Grassland birding habitat

Pembroke Savanna

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Grassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Pembroke Savanna is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This grassland 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

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

6/1/2026Momence Wetlands1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

5/30/2026Schneider, IN1 observed

Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosa

5/30/2026Willow Slough FWA--J C Murphey Lake1 observed

Bell's Vireo (Eastern)

Vireo bellii

5/26/2026County Road 200 W, Morocco US-IN 41.07130, -87.429732 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

5/23/20262517–2533 IL-49, Clifton US-IL 40.87607, -87.865661 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Bobwhite

25/24/2026

Mourning Dove

65/24/2026

Common Nighthawk

25/24/2026

Chimney Swift

35/24/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/24/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/24/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/24/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

35/24/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/24/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/24/2026

Northern Flicker

25/24/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/24/2026

Least Flycatcher

15/24/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/24/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/24/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/24/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/24/2026

Blue Jay

45/24/2026

American Crow

25/24/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

25/24/2026

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 Pembroke Savanna for birding?
The best months to visit Pembroke Savanna for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Pembroke Savanna?
Notable species at Pembroke Savanna include Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Harrier, Bobolink. The area supports grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pembroke Savanna?
Birding at Pembroke Savanna is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pembroke Savanna?
Pembroke Savanna offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.