Grassland birding habitat

Willowhaven Nature Center

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Willowhaven Nature Center is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Killdeer 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

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

4/15/2026Kedzie-Eagle Lake wetland (Roadside only)1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

4/15/2026Kedzie-Eagle Lake wetland (Roadside only)1 observed

Smith's Longspur

Calcarius pictus

4/13/2026Okàn Savanna1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

4/13/2026Okàn Savanna1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/9/2026Kankakee River Trail, Bourbonnais, Illinois, US (41.198, -87.975)1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

4/5/2026Perry Farm Park, Bourbonnais1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

34/15/2026

Mallard

34/15/2026

Mourning Dove

34/15/2026

American Coot

14/15/2026

Killdeer

14/15/2026

Bald Eagle

14/15/2026

Northern Flicker

24/15/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/15/2026

Tree Swallow

34/15/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

14/15/2026

Northern House Wren

14/15/2026

American Robin

344/15/2026

Cedar Waxwing

14/15/2026

House Sparrow

44/15/2026

American Goldfinch

54/15/2026

Field Sparrow

14/15/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

14/15/2026

Swamp Sparrow

24/15/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

44/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

34/15/2026

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 Willowhaven Nature Center for birding?
The best months to visit Willowhaven Nature Center for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Willowhaven Nature Center?
Notable species at Willowhaven Nature Center include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Killdeer, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Willowhaven Nature Center?
Birding at Willowhaven Nature Center is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Willowhaven Nature Center?
Willowhaven Nature Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.