Grassland birding habitat

Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 285 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, and Mute Swan among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Redhead

Aythya americana

7/4/2026Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes2 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

6/30/2026Henry Waterfront and Marina1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

27/9/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/9/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/9/2026

Tree Swallow

37/9/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

107/9/2026

Common Yellowthroat

27/9/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/9/2026

Wood Duck

87/5/2026

Mallard

27/5/2026

Chimney Swift

17/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/5/2026

Northern Flicker

27/5/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/5/2026

Willow Flycatcher

17/5/2026

Eastern Phoebe

27/5/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

37/5/2026

Eastern Kingbird

37/5/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

27/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes for birding?
The best months to visit Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes?
Notable species at Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes include Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Trumpeter Swan, Wood Duck. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes?
Birding at Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes?
Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.