Whalon Lake Forest Preserve
Illinois · Midwest
About This Location
Whalon Lake Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 257 species recorded on eBird. This forest and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and Ring-necked Duck among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.
Location
Loading map...
Live Bird Data
Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Notable Sightings
Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days
Gadwall
Mareca strepera
Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensis
Lincoln's Sparrow
Melospiza lincolnii
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Sitta canadensis
Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
Loggerhead Shrike
Lanius ludovicianus
Purple Finch
Haemorhous purpureus
Painted Bunting
Passerina ciris
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Mourning Dove
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Egret
Willow Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
European Starling
American Robin
House Sparrow
Orchard Oriole
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
Northern Yellow Warbler
Mallard
Ring-billed Gull
Birding Tips
- 1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
- 2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
Amenities
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 →