Forest birding habitat

Lakewood Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lakewood Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Mallard 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

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/15/2026Moraine Hills State Park1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

4/15/2026Bangs Lake--North1 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

4/15/2026Square Barn Rd. and Mackeben Elementary School Fluddle1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/15/2026Darrell Rd. Marsh1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/15/2026Broadsmore Drive Ponds, Algonquin1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/15/2026Butler Lake, Libertyville1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

4/15/2026Ryerson Conservation Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/13/2026

Wood Duck

44/13/2026

Mallard

24/13/2026

Common Merganser

34/13/2026

Mourning Dove

24/13/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/13/2026

Great Egret

14/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Northern Flicker

14/13/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/13/2026

Blue Jay

14/13/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

54/13/2026

Tree Swallow

74/13/2026

Purple Martin

14/13/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

74/13/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/13/2026

American Robin

154/13/2026

House Sparrow

34/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  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 Lakewood Forest Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Lakewood Forest Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lakewood Forest Preserve?
Notable species at Lakewood Forest Preserve include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Cooper's Hawk. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lakewood Forest Preserve?
Birding at Lakewood Forest Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lakewood Forest Preserve?
Lakewood Forest Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.