eBird Hotspot: Air Station Prairie, Glenview, Cook County, IL, US
Located at 2400 Compass Road, Glenview, these 32 acres comprise what natural area remains of the former Naval Air Station Glenview. In 2017 it was designated an Illinois Nature Preserve. The southern portion, approx. one-third of the site, is mitigated wetlands. Woodcocks nest on the site and can be found displaying in March. Sightings of migrating dabbling ducks, herons, bitterns, snipe, other marsh birds and waders are common in spring. Birders flock to ASP in May through early summer for easy viewing of the Sora and Virginia Rails and Spotted Sandpipers that nest here. A King Rail made an appearance one year and stayed a few weeks. The pools tend to dry up in the summer, depending on rainfall, but it can be worthwhile to check for migrating shorebirds in late summer.
The northern two-thirds of the site is remnant prairie. Eastern Meadowlark, Song and Savannah Sparrows, Willow Flycatcher and Eastern Kingbird nest here. Sedge Wren has been heard singing in June.
A gravel path extends from the visitor center north to where the prairie begins. Mowed paths are maintained through portions of the prairie. The prairie are very wet in spring, with standing water several inches deep in some parts. It's best to wear rubber boots. Be forewarned, ASP is famous for its healthy tick population. Tuck your pant legs and/or spray with repellent when venturing off the gravel path.