Lake birding habitat

Bakers Lake - Ron Beese Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Bakers Lake - Ron Beese Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 225 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Common Merganser, Ring-billed Gull, and Canada Goose 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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/14/2026Union Rd. & Rt. 47 Fluddle1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/14/2026Moraine Hills State Park1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/14/2026Sports Club Dr. Fluddles1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/14/2026The Grove, Glenview1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/14/2026Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve)2 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

4/14/2026Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/13/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/13/2026

Caspian Tern

14/13/2026

Great Egret

14/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/13/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Northern Flicker

14/13/2026

Blue Jay

24/13/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/13/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

24/13/2026

American Robin

74/13/2026

American Goldfinch

14/13/2026

Fox Sparrow

34/13/2026

Song Sparrow

24/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

84/13/2026

Common Grackle

14/13/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

24/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Bakers Lake - Ron Beese Park for birding?
The best months to visit Bakers Lake - Ron Beese Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bakers Lake - Ron Beese Park?
Notable species at Bakers Lake - Ron Beese Park include Common Merganser, Ring-billed Gull, Canada Goose, Mallard, Blue Jay. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bakers Lake - Ron Beese Park?
Birding at Bakers Lake - Ron Beese Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Bakers Lake - Ron Beese Park?
Bakers Lake - Ron Beese Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.