Crabtree Nature Center

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Crabtree Nature Center is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Common Merganser 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

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/5/2026Broadsmore Drive Ponds, Algonquin1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/4/2026Bensenville Ditch1 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

3/4/2026Busse Woods, Rolling Meadows US-IL 42.04751, -88.025633 observed

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

3/2/2026Raceway Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

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

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

3/1/2026Kline Creek Farm3 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

3/1/2026Pingree Grove WTP Marsh1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

103/5/2026

Mallard

13/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

13/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

23/5/2026

American Tree Sparrow

23/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

63/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/5/2026

Common Merganser

183/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

Sandhill Crane

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

American Crow

13/5/2026

European Starling

13/5/2026

American Robin

243/5/2026

American Goldfinch

23/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

63/5/2026

Song Sparrow

23/5/2026

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