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

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

6/1/2026Union Rd. & Hemmingsen Rd. Fluddle1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

6/1/2026Liberty Prairie Nature Preserve1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

6/1/2026Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve2 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/31/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

5/31/2026Willow Hill Golf Course, Northbrook3 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

5/31/2026Deer Park Mall Ponds1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Burnidge Forest Preserve1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/31/2026Bridge over Des Plaines River Trail1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/31/2026Druce Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Semipalmated Plover

155/24/2026

Dunlin

85/24/2026

Least Sandpiper

15/24/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

255/24/2026

Ring-billed Gull

15/24/2026

Caspian Tern

155/24/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

5/24/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

15/24/2026

Great Egret

5/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/24/2026

Osprey

15/24/2026

Bald Eagle

15/24/2026

Blue Jay

15/24/2026

Song Sparrow

15/24/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

5/24/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/24/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/24/2026

Ring-necked Duck

15/20/2026

Mourning Dove

15/20/2026

Chimney Swift

45/20/2026

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.