Wetland birding habitat

Lake Calumet area - Big Marsh/Park #564

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandLakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Calumet area - Big Marsh/Park #564 is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 256 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Northern Shoveler 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

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

7/18/2026Lake Calumet area--Deadstick Pond1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/18/2026Northerly Island1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/16/2026Miller Beach, Lake Street1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/15/2026Grant Park--Museum Campus2 observed

Ring-necked Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

7/14/2026Helmick Nature Preserve/Butterfield Creek Wetlands1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

7/14/2026Park No. 5661 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

7/12/2026Volbrecht Rd. Fluddle, Ford Heights1 observed

Sanderling

Calidris alba

7/12/2026Miller Beach, Lake Street1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

27/10/2026

Rock Pigeon

137/10/2026

Mourning Dove

27/10/2026

Chimney Swift

17/10/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/10/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/10/2026

Caspian Tern

17/10/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

47/10/2026

Osprey

17/10/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/10/2026

Downy Woodpecker

37/10/2026

Northern Flicker

57/10/2026

Willow Flycatcher

17/10/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

27/10/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/10/2026

Tree Swallow

37/10/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

27/10/2026

Northern House Wren

27/10/2026

Carolina Wren

17/10/2026

European Starling

37/10/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Lake Calumet area - Big Marsh/Park #564 for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Calumet area - Big Marsh/Park #564 for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Calumet area - Big Marsh/Park #564?
Notable species at Lake Calumet area - Big Marsh/Park #564 include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports wetland, lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Calumet area - Big Marsh/Park #564?
Birding at Lake Calumet area - Big Marsh/Park #564 is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Lake Calumet area - Big Marsh/Park #564?
Lake Calumet area - Big Marsh/Park #564 offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.