Goose Lake Natural Area
Illinois · Midwest
About This Location
Goose Lake Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Mourning Dove, European Starling, and House Sparrow 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
Northern Parula
Setophaga americana
Yellow-breasted Chat
Icteria virens
Trumpeter Swan
Cygnus buccinator
Blue Grosbeak
Passerina caerulea
Neotropic Cormorant
Nannopterum brasilianum
Pine Siskin
Spinus pinus
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelis
American Bittern
Botaurus lentiginosus
Common Merganser
Mergus merganser
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Mourning Dove
Killdeer
Double-crested Cormorant
Green Heron
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Red-tailed Hawk
Northern Flicker
Willow Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Eastern Warbling Vireo
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
White-breasted Nuthatch
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Northern House Wren
Marsh Wren
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
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Chicago's top birding spot where the Magic Hedge traps migrating songbirds.
Jackson Park / Wooded Island
Chicago South Side migrant trap on a historic Wooded Island with 250+ species and outstanding warbler fallouts.
Illinois Beach State Park
Illinois' last natural Lake Michigan shore with 300+ species, shorebird migration, and grassland birds.
Illinois Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Illinois →