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

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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

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/28/2026Matthiessen SP--Dells Area1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/26/2026home1 observed

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

5/22/2026Miller-Anderson Nature Preserve (Bureau Co.)1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

5/20/2026Outside Mcnabb IL1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

5/19/20261479–1499 Sun Foundation Rd, Washburn US-IL (40.9546,-89.3610)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

145/31/2026

Mute Swan

505/31/2026

Wood Duck

5/31/2026

Mallard

65/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Sandhill Crane

15/31/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

45/31/2026

Bald Eagle

15/31/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

65/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

35/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

65/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

25/31/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

55/31/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

15/31/2026

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.