Wetland birding habitat

Lake Calumet area - Hegewisch Marsh

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Calumet area - Hegewisch Marsh is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Redhead 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

Ring-necked Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

4/17/2026Orland Grassland1 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

4/17/2026Orland Grassland3 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

4/17/2026Marquette Park1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/17/2026Marquette Park1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

4/17/2026Crete Bike Trail2 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/17/2026McClaughrey Spring Woods1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/16/2026Arrowhead Lake Forest Preserve2 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

4/16/2026Lincoln Park--South Pond2 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/16/2026Lincoln Park--South Pond1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

4/16/2026Turkey Creek Trail1 observed

LeConte's Sparrow

Ammospiza leconteii

4/16/2026Big Marsh, Chicago US-IL 41.69062, -87.567111 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

74/14/2026

Mute Swan

14/14/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/14/2026

Mallard

34/14/2026

Lesser Scaup

24/14/2026

Bufflehead

64/14/2026

American Coot

154/14/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/14/2026

Caspian Tern

14/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/14/2026

Northern Flicker

34/14/2026

Tree Swallow

34/14/2026

Song Sparrow

14/14/2026

Swamp Sparrow

14/14/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

24/14/2026

American Woodcock

34/13/2026

Bald Eagle

14/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

34/13/2026

Greater Scaup

154/13/2026

Killdeer

24/13/2026

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 - Hegewisch Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Calumet area - Hegewisch Marsh for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Calumet area - Hegewisch Marsh?
Notable species at Lake Calumet area - Hegewisch Marsh include Canada Goose, Mallard, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup. The area supports wetland, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Calumet area - Hegewisch Marsh?
Birding at Lake Calumet area - Hegewisch Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Calumet area - Hegewisch Marsh?
Lake Calumet area - Hegewisch Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.