Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Sandhill Crane 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

3/6/2026Busse Woods--Ned Brown Meadow4 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026US-IL-Bolingbrook-60440 - 41.7277x-88.07391 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/4/2026Bensenville Ditch1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/2/2026Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center31 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

3/1/2026Kline Creek Farm3 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

62/28/2026

Mallard

62/28/2026

Sandhill Crane

32/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

22/28/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Blue Jay

12/28/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

12/28/2026

Eastern Bluebird

52/28/2026

American Robin

42/28/2026

American Goldfinch

22/28/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

12/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

52/28/2026

Killdeer

12/27/2026

Downy Woodpecker

52/27/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

92/27/2026

European Starling

302/27/2026

House Finch

42/27/2026

American Tree Sparrow

32/27/2026

Song Sparrow

12/27/2026

Northern Cardinal

92/27/2026

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 Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve?
Notable species at Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve include Canada Goose, Mallard, Sandhill Crane, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve?
Birding at Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve?
Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.