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

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

6/2/2026Techny Basin--north of Willow Rd.2 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

6/2/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

6/2/2026Barrington Road Pond3 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

6/2/2026Barrington Road Pond1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

6/2/2026Waukegan Beach2 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/2/2026Druce Lake1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/2/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

6/2/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

6/2/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

6/2/2026Johns-Manville Corp. Superfund Site (restricted access)1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/2/2026Waukegan Beach2 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

6/1/2026Liberty Prairie Nature Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

36/2/2026

Mallard

56/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/2/2026

Tree Swallow

16/2/2026

Purple Martin

16/2/2026

Gray Catbird

26/2/2026

American Robin

56/2/2026

Field Sparrow

26/2/2026

Henslow's Sparrow

36/2/2026

Song Sparrow

16/2/2026

Eastern Towhee

16/2/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

16/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

6/2/2026

Common Yellowthroat

36/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

36/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/2/2026

Barred Owl

45/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

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.