Lake birding habitat

Rend Lake - Ward Branch

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Rend Lake - Ward Branch is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/2/2026N Sandusky Creek Loop, Sesser US-IL 38.07076, -88.990542 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

5/29/2026Rend Lake--South Marcum Public Use Area and Campground1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/2/2026

American Crow

26/2/2026

Fish Crow

16/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

26/2/2026

Carolina Wren

36/2/2026

American Goldfinch

16/2/2026

Chipping Sparrow

16/2/2026

Baltimore Oriole

16/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/2/2026

Indigo Bunting

16/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

16/1/2026

Common Grackle

26/1/2026

Osprey

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/30/2026

Carolina Chickadee

25/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/30/2026

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 Rend Lake - Ward Branch for birding?
The best months to visit Rend Lake - Ward Branch for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rend Lake - Ward Branch?
Notable species at Rend Lake - Ward Branch include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rend Lake - Ward Branch?
Birding at Rend Lake - Ward Branch is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Rend Lake - Ward Branch?
Rend Lake - Ward Branch offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.