Forest birding habitat

Mallard Lake Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
ForestLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Mallard Lake Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This forest and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, 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

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

6/3/2026Smith and Main Parks, Twin Lakes Golf Club1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/3/2026Blackwell Forest Preserve--Silver Lake area1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

6/3/2026Home2 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/2/2026St. Paul Woods1 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

6/2/2026Barrington Road Pond3 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

6/2/2026Barrington Road Pond1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

6/2/2026Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

6/2/2026Cosley Zoo1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

6/1/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

6/1/2026Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve2 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

6/1/2026Fabyan Forest Preserve1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

5/31/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/31/20262923 Chevy Chase Ln2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

216/3/2026

Blue-winged Teal

66/3/2026

Killdeer

16/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/3/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

16/3/2026

Green Heron

16/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/3/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/3/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/3/2026

Tree Swallow

36/3/2026

Marsh Wren

66/3/2026

American Robin

26/3/2026

American Goldfinch

16/3/2026

Savannah Sparrow

26/3/2026

Song Sparrow

26/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

206/3/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

46/3/2026

Common Yellowthroat

16/3/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/3/2026

Mallard

126/1/2026

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