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

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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

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

7/15/2026Paul Douglas Forest Preserve (Grassy Ridge Meadow)2 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/11/2026Techny Basin--north of Willow Rd.1 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

7/9/2026Barrington Road Pond1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/7/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

7/6/20262515 S Scheid Lane, McHenry1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

7/5/2026Chain-o-Lakes State Park1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/5/2026Highland Ave1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

7/5/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

7/5/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/4/2026Waukegan Beach3 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/4/2026Wonder Lake1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/3/2026Bur Oak Residence Lake Forest1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/3/2026Johns-Manville Corp. Superfund Site (restricted access)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

87/13/2026

Wood Duck

157/13/2026

Green Heron

17/13/2026

Great Egret

17/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

37/13/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

27/13/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/13/2026

Northern Flicker

17/13/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/13/2026

Willow Flycatcher

27/13/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/13/2026

Blue Jay

57/13/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/13/2026

Tree Swallow

387/13/2026

Barn Swallow

207/13/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/13/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/13/2026

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.