One of the most popular activities for people in the U.S. is birdwatching. And really, when you think about it, what’s not to love? Walking through nature, taking in the fresh air and the beautiful surroundings as you scan the trees and sky for some of our world’s most amazing creatures can be not only great fun, but even an inspiring and meditative experience. 

Birding is a pastime loved by people of all ages, but one of the great things about it is that the more you do it, the better at it you become. Like so many things in life, experience makes you more talented, and more able to enjoy it. And as the list of birds you’ve captured with your eyes gets longer, it becomes an even greater source of pride and satisfaction.

Birding in the Forest Preserves of Cook County

The many natural areas in and around Cook County, Illinois, are well-known by the birding community for their abundance of birds. The Forest Preserves of Cook County lists birding as a preferred activity on its vast acreage. You can find a list of 283 birds that may be spotted in this  one area, with habitat types ranging from grasslands to wetlands, to forest, open water and more. Best of all, the Forest Preserves are only about a half-mile away from Peace Village.

The experts at the Forest Preserves of Cook County can even tell you which season you’re most likely to see each bird species and their relative abundance. It’s satisfying to see a healthy population of a particular species, but it’s truly exciting to catch sight of that rare bird in its natural habitat that very few people ever get to see. Just a few of the impressive species of birds seen in the Preserves are:

  • Timberdoodle
  • Wood duck
  • Baltimore oriole
  • Great egret
  • Osprey
  • Ruby-throated hummingbird
  • Black-capped chickadee
  • Red-bellied woodpecker
  • Eastern screech owl

Birding in The Orland Grassland

The Orland Grassland, just two miles from Peace Village, boasts the second-largest number of bird species in the state. In 2016, there were 94 species of birds counted, including:

  • Blue heron
  • Cattle egret
  • Baird’s sandpiper
  • Smith’s longspur
  • Ring-necked pheasant
  • Black-necked pheasant
  • Black-necked stilt

The ultimate proof that the Orland Grassland is  a wonderful area for birdwatching is that it was  found to have the highest number of first-time birdwatchers. With its beauty, ease of access, dense and varied bird population and plenty of professionally guided bird hikes, it’s the perfect spot for anyone interested in birding, from newcomers to seasoned veteran birders.

Birding at Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve

The Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve has been called the wildest place in Cook County.
Located near Palos Park, the sprawling 1,520-acre preserve is the largest roadless area in Cook County, and features oak forests, prairies, marshes, meadows and wetlands. Here are just a few impressive birds that can be found there:

  • Summer tanager
  • White-eyed vireo
  • Louisiana water thrush
  • Hooded warbler
  • Chipping Sparrow
  • Pileated woodpecker
  • Eastern phoebe
  • Blue-winged warbler
  • Ovenbird

Birding at Peace Village

With 22 acres of walking paths, a fishing lake and a gazebo, the residents of Peace Village can do all the birdwatching they could want. The entire area is either the home or on the migration route of hundreds of bird species, and the beautiful outdoor spaces of Peace Village attracts birds and birdwatchers alike. 
 
It’s all part of our dedication to help our senior living residents stay fit, well and happy. A fulfilling life here is based on our culture of community, comfort and staying close the natural beauty that surrounds us here at Peace Village.
 
Contact us to find out more, or sign up for a Staycation! You can explore our 22 acres of nature, enjoy our enrichment programs, and start living a life of true fulfillment.