Lake Calumet area - Big Marsh/Park #564

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandLakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/5/2026Helmick Nature Preserve / Butterfield Creek Wetlands15 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

3/3/2026BP Warm Water Outlet1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026McGinnis Slough Forest Preserve2 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/3/2026Lake Calumet area--Lake Calumet/Harborside Golf Course5 observed

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

3/3/2026Lincoln Park--South Pond1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/2/2026Lincoln Park--Jarvis Bird Sanctuary4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

53/3/2026

Mute Swan

23/3/2026

Northern Shoveler

23/3/2026

Gadwall

43/3/2026

Mallard

173/3/2026

Common Goldeneye

13/3/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

203/3/2026

Killdeer

23/3/2026

Ring-billed Gull

53/3/2026

American Herring Gull

23/3/2026

Bald Eagle

23/3/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

43/3/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

13/3/2026

European Starling

1003/3/2026

American Robin

33/3/2026

American Tree Sparrow

203/3/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

353/3/2026

Song Sparrow

13/3/2026

Swamp Sparrow

13/3/2026

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.