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
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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
Neotropic Cormorant
Nannopterum brasilianum
Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)
Anser albifrons
Trumpeter Swan
Cygnus buccinator
Northern Bobwhite
Colinus virginianus
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifrons
Blue Grosbeak
Passerina caerulea
Brewer's Blackbird
Euphagus cyanocephalus
Greater Yellowlegs
Tringa melanoleuca
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Wood Duck
Mallard
Wild Turkey
Common Gallinule
American Coot
Pied-billed Grebe
Green Heron
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Red-shouldered Hawk
Willow Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
White-breasted Nuthatch
Northern House 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
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Complete guide to birding in Illinois →