Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve)

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve) is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Mourning Dove 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

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

3/6/2026Air Station Prairie, Glenview2 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/5/2026Loyola Park1 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

3/5/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/4/2026Bensenville Ditch1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

3/4/20261207 Dobson1 observed

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

3/2/2026Raceway Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/2/2026Busse Woods--south pool5 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

3/1/2026Bailey House1 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

3/1/2026Kline Creek Farm3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

723/5/2026

Mute Swan

33/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

43/5/2026

Mallard

163/5/2026

Redhead

23/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

83/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

143/5/2026

Common Merganser

403/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

153/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

103/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

113/5/2026

American Herring Gull

53/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

American Crow

23/5/2026

European Starling

453/5/2026

American Robin

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/5/2026

Mourning Dove

43/4/2026

Blue Jay

13/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

63/4/2026

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 Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve) for birding?
The best months to visit Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve)?
Notable species at Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve) include Canada Goose, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, Blue Jay. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve)?
Birding at Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve)?
Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.