Grassland birding habitat

Pleasant Valley Conservation Area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Pleasant Valley Conservation Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, and American Crow 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

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

6/2/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

6/1/2026Union Rd. & Hemmingsen Rd. Fluddle1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

6/1/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

6/1/2026Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve2 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/31/2026North Branch Conservation Area1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Burnidge Forest Preserve1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

5/30/2026Highland Ave1 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

5/29/2026Seeman Rd. Fluddle5 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

5/28/2026My Backyard - Genoa, IL1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

5/28/2026Seeman Rd. Fluddle1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

5/28/2026Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

95/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/30/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/30/2026

Tree Swallow

65/30/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

65/30/2026

Eastern Bluebird

25/30/2026

American Robin

45/30/2026

Bobolink

35/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

165/30/2026

Common Grackle

35/30/2026

Common Yellowthroat

45/30/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

45/30/2026

Canada Goose

405/30/2026

American Crow

15/30/2026

Gray Catbird

15/30/2026

American Goldfinch

25/30/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

15/30/2026

Mallard

25/30/2026

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 Pleasant Valley Conservation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Pleasant Valley Conservation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area?
Notable species at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area include Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, American Crow, American Robin, Northern Flicker. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area?
Birding at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area?
Pleasant Valley Conservation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.