Grassland birding habitat

Techny Basin - north of Willow Road

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Techny Basin - north of Willow Road is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Mallard, American Black Duck, and Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid) 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

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

7/18/2026Opa And Oma (House N)

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/18/2026Richard Clark Park1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/17/2026Northbrook House New1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/17/2026Bur Oak Residence Lake Forest1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

7/17/2026Great Lakes Naval Training Center (restricted access)1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

7/15/2026Paul Douglas Forest Preserve (Grassy Ridge Meadow)2 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/15/2026Canal Shores Golf Course1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

7/14/2026Saddle Hill Rd, Green Oaks, Libertyville2 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/11/2026Techny Basin--north of Willow Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

117/18/2026

Mallard

227/18/2026

Rock Pigeon

27/18/2026

Mourning Dove

27/18/2026

Killdeer

267/18/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

47/18/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

17/18/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

17/18/2026

Least Sandpiper

277/18/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

27/18/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

27/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/18/2026

Caspian Tern

27/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

97/18/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/18/2026

Great Egret

37/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

57/18/2026

Willow Flycatcher

17/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/18/2026

Purple Martin

17/18/2026

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 Techny Basin - north of Willow Road for birding?
The best months to visit Techny Basin - north of Willow Road for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Techny Basin - north of Willow Road?
Notable species at Techny Basin - north of Willow Road include Mallard, American Black Duck, Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid), Green-winged Teal, Mourning Dove. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Techny Basin - north of Willow Road?
Birding at Techny Basin - north of Willow Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Techny Basin - north of Willow Road?
Techny Basin - north of Willow Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.