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

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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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/6/2026Lake Arispie/Marsh1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

733/6/2026

Mute Swan

93/6/2026

Gadwall

23/6/2026

Canvasback

143/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

293/6/2026

Greater Scaup

23/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

423/6/2026

Bufflehead

133/6/2026

Common Goldeneye

133/6/2026

Common Merganser

733/6/2026

Killdeer

13/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/6/2026

Horned Grebe

13/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

63/6/2026

Bald Eagle

43/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Northern Flicker

13/6/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/6/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/6/2026

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.