Spring Lake Bottoms

Illinois · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Spring Lake Bottoms is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Wood Duck 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

Canada Goose Mute Swan Wood Duck Gadwall Mallard

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/16/2026Spring Lake SFWA2 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

7/16/2026Spring Lake SFWA2 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

7/16/2026Spring Lake SFWA17 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Blue Heron

67/11/2026

American White Pelican

807/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

67/11/2026

Bald Eagle

27/11/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

27/11/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/11/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/11/2026

Eastern Kingbird

47/11/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

7/11/2026

Bank Swallow

107/11/2026

Purple Martin

17/11/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

27/11/2026

Gray Catbird

17/11/2026

American Robin

37/11/2026

House Sparrow

17/11/2026

American Goldfinch

27/11/2026

Song Sparrow

17/11/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

37/11/2026

Common Grackle

27/11/2026

Common Yellowthroat

37/11/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Illinois

Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary

Chicago's top birding spot where the Magic Hedge traps migrating songbirds.

Jackson Park / Wooded Island

Chicago South Side migrant trap on a historic Wooded Island with 250+ species and outstanding warbler fallouts.

Illinois Beach State Park

Illinois' last natural Lake Michigan shore with 300+ species, shorebird migration, and grassland birds.

Illinois Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Illinois →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Spring Lake Bottoms for birding?▼

The best months to visit Spring Lake Bottoms for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Spring Lake Bottoms?▼

Notable species at Spring Lake Bottoms include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Wood Duck, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Spring Lake Bottoms?▼

Birding at Spring Lake Bottoms is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Spring Lake Bottoms?▼

Spring Lake Bottoms offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.