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

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Ogden Plaza Park2 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

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

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

5/30/2026Thorn Creek Headwaters Preserve--east side1 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

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/30/2026Indiana Dunes NP--Long Lake1 observed

Ring-necked Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

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

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

5/30/2026Douglass (Anna & Frederick) Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-billed Gull

16/1/2026

Caspian Tern

16/1/2026

Belted Kingfisher

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Northern House Wren

16/1/2026

Gray Catbird

16/1/2026

American Robin

26/1/2026

Song Sparrow

26/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

16/1/2026

Common Yellowthroat

16/1/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

46/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Tree Swallow

46/1/2026

Marsh Wren

16/1/2026

American Goldfinch

36/1/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

26/1/2026

Common Grackle

16/1/2026

Mute Swan

25/29/2026

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.