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

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. Fluddle and Marsh1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/15/2026Broadsmore Drive Ponds, Algonquin1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Horned Owl

14/6/2026

Barred Owl

14/6/2026

Canada Goose

84/5/2026

Wood Duck

34/5/2026

Mallard

34/5/2026

Mourning Dove

14/5/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/5/2026

American Woodcock

74/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/5/2026

Northern Flicker

14/5/2026

American Kestrel

14/5/2026

American Crow

24/5/2026

Tree Swallow

44/5/2026

European Starling

64/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

34/5/2026

American Robin

1004/5/2026

Field Sparrow

14/5/2026

American Tree Sparrow

24/5/2026

Fox Sparrow

14/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

24/5/2026

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.