Lake birding habitat

Monee Reservoir

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Monee Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This 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

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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

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

4/15/2026Turtlehead Lake Forest Preserve1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

4/15/20266360 151st St, Oak Forest US-IL (41.6174,-87.7757)1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

4/15/2026Kedzie-Eagle Lake wetland (Roadside only)1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

4/15/2026Kedzie-Eagle Lake wetland (Roadside only)1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/15/202622649 Sherman Rd, Steger US-IL 41.47746, -87.604232 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/12/2026Plum Creek Forest Preserve1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/12/2026Plum Creek Forest Preserve1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

4/10/2026Thorn Creek Headwaters Preserve--east side1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/9/2026Sand Ridge Nature Center1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/9/2026Kankakee River Trail, Bourbonnais, Illinois, US (41.198, -87.975)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

484/15/2026

Blue-winged Teal

144/15/2026

Mallard

64/15/2026

Mourning Dove

54/15/2026

Killdeer

64/15/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

24/15/2026

Caspian Tern

34/15/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

24/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

264/15/2026

Great Egret

14/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/15/2026

American White Pelican

124/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/15/2026

Osprey

14/15/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Northern Flicker

34/15/2026

Eastern Phoebe

24/15/2026

Tree Swallow

54/15/2026

European Starling

54/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

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