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

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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

7/20/2026Lake Calumet area--Deadstick Pond1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/20/2026Northerly Island2 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/19/2026Bartel Grassland1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/19/2026Rainbow Beach1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

7/19/2026Rainbow Beach2 observed

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

7/18/2026Jackson Park--Columbia Basin1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-billed Gull

57/14/2026

Caspian Tern

17/14/2026

Great Egret

27/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/14/2026

Northern Flicker

37/14/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/14/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/14/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/14/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/14/2026

Northern House Wren

27/14/2026

Marsh Wren

17/14/2026

Song Sparrow

27/14/2026

Common Yellowthroat

27/14/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/14/2026

Indigo Bunting

27/14/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/13/2026

American Goldfinch

27/13/2026

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.