Pleasant Valley Conservation Area

Illinois · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

GrasslandWetland

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Pleasant Valley Conservation Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, and American Crow 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

Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker American Crow American Robin Northern Flicker

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/5/2026Broadsmore Drive Ponds, Algonquin1 observed

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

3/2/2026Raceway Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

3/1/202623874–24266 Jackson Rd, Marengo US-IL 42.21858, -88.668451 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

3/1/202623874–24266 Jackson Rd, Marengo US-IL 42.21858, -88.668451 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

3/1/2026Pingree Grove WTP Marsh1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

2/28/2026Pistakee Lake--Bald Knob40 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

2/28/2026614 Bald Knob Rd, Johnsburg US-IL 42.38594, -88.2097320 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/28/20262541 Ross St, Hampshire US-IL 42.12485, -88.471204 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

2/28/2026Pingree Grove WTP Marsh1 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

2/28/2026Pingree Grove WTP Marsh1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

2/27/2026Boone Creek Conservation Area10 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

2/27/2026Pistakee Lake--Bald Knob47 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

2/27/2026Boone Creek Conservation Area60 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

2/27/2026Jankowski Prairie1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

2/27/2026Pistakee Lake off of N Riverdale Drive, McHenry75 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

2/27/2026Pistakee Lake--Bald Knob27 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

2/27/2026Pistakee Lake--Bald Knob27 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

2/25/2026Lake Street Park10 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

2/25/20262541 Ross St, Hampshire US-IL (42.1244,-88.4709)6 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

2/25/2026Downtown Elgin35 observed

Birding Tips

1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Illinois

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Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Pleasant Valley Conservation Area for birding?▼

The best months to visit Pleasant Valley Conservation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area?▼

Notable species at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area include Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, American Crow, American Robin, Northern Flicker. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area?▼

Birding at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area?▼

Pleasant Valley Conservation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.