Busey Woods, Urbana

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Busey Woods, Urbana is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Downy Woodpecker 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

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

3/5/2026Krannert Center, Urbana US-IL (40.1071,-88.2226)1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026Moorman Swine Research Unit, Champaign3 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/20261719 Mayfair Rd, Champaign US-IL 40.09383, -88.270201 observed

Redpoll

Acanthis flammea

3/5/2026Home on Staley Rd, Champaign2 observed

Tundra Swan (Whistling)

Cygnus columbianus

3/2/2026River Bend Forest Preserve3 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/2/2026River Bend Forest Preserve1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/2/2026River Bend Forest Preserve3 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

2/27/2026River Bend Forest Preserve7 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Blue Jay

23/5/2026

American Crow

43/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/5/2026

American Robin

23/5/2026

House Sparrow

33/5/2026

House Finch

73/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

13/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

33/5/2026

Canada Goose

123/4/2026

Mallard

23/4/2026

White-throated Sparrow

13/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

23/1/2026

Brown Creeper

13/1/2026

Carolina Wren

13/1/2026

American Goldfinch

13/1/2026

Song Sparrow

13/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

32/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  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 Busey Woods, Urbana for birding?
The best months to visit Busey Woods, Urbana for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Busey Woods, Urbana?
Notable species at Busey Woods, Urbana include Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Busey Woods, Urbana?
Birding at Busey Woods, Urbana is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Busey Woods, Urbana?
Busey Woods, Urbana offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.