Techny Basin - north of Willow Road

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Techny Basin - north of Willow Road is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Mallard, American Black Duck, and Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid) 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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park4 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/4/2026Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/4/2026Bensenville Ditch1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

3/4/20261207 Dobson1 observed

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

3/3/2026Lincoln Park--South Pond1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/2/2026Lincoln Park--Jarvis Bird Sanctuary4 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

3/1/2026Bailey House1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

93/4/2026

American Black Duck

33/4/2026

Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid)

13/4/2026

Green-winged Teal

23/4/2026

Mourning Dove

13/4/2026

American Kestrel

13/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

43/4/2026

Canada Goose

33/3/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/3/2026

Blue Jay

13/3/2026

American Crow

13/3/2026

American Robin

13/3/2026

Common Merganser

23/1/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

23/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/1/2026

American Herring Gull

43/1/2026

House Sparrow

53/1/2026

Killdeer

12/28/2026

Purple Finch

22/28/2026

American Tree Sparrow

32/28/2026

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 Techny Basin - north of Willow Road for birding?
The best months to visit Techny Basin - north of Willow Road for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Techny Basin - north of Willow Road?
Notable species at Techny Basin - north of Willow Road include Mallard, American Black Duck, Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid), Green-winged Teal, Mourning Dove. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Techny Basin - north of Willow Road?
Birding at Techny Basin - north of Willow Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Techny Basin - north of Willow Road?
Techny Basin - north of Willow Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.