Big Lake
Illinois · Midwest
About This Location
Big Lake is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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 House Wren
Troglodytes aedon
Palm Warbler (Western)
Setophaga palmarum
Bank Swallow
Riparia riparia
Fish Crow
Corvus ossifragus
Grasshopper Sparrow
Ammodramus savannarum
Cliff Swallow
Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Snow Goose
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Blue-winged Teal
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Mallard
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Canvasback
Ring-necked Duck
Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Mourning Dove
American Coot
Black-necked Stilt
Killdeer
Birding Tips
- 1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
- 2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
Amenities
More in Illinois
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Illinois Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Illinois →