Lake Calumet area - Big Marsh/Park #564

Illinois · Midwest

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Habitat

WetlandLakeUrban Park

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Canada Goose Mute Swan Northern Shoveler Gadwall Mallard

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

6/1/202657-80 Warehouse Campus Retention Ponds1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Ogden Plaza Park2 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/31/2026Lincoln Park--Diversey Harbor1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

5/30/2026Burnham Park--Burnham Nature Sanctuary1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

5/30/2026Jackson Park--Wooded Island/Bobolink Meadow area1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

5/30/2026Orland Grassland1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

5/30/2026Grant Park--Museum Campus1 observed

Ring-necked Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

5/30/2026Helmick Nature Preserve/Butterfield Creek Wetlands1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

75/31/2026

Mallard

45/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Chimney Swift

35/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Ring-billed Gull

55/31/2026

Caspian Tern

35/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Alder Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

65/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

75/31/2026

Bank Swallow

55/31/2026

Tree Swallow

105/31/2026

Barn Swallow

65/31/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/31/2026

Northern House Wren

55/31/2026

Marsh Wren

85/31/2026

European Starling

165/31/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

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 →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching

8 min read

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.