Lake birding habitat

Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, 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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/16/2026Arrowhead Lake Forest Preserve2 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/16/2026Lincoln Park--South Pond1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

4/16/2026Lincoln Park--South Pond2 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

4/16/2026Turkey Creek Trail1 observed

LeConte's Sparrow

Ammospiza leconteii

4/16/2026Big Marsh, Chicago US-IL 41.69062, -87.567111 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/16/2026Oak Savannah Trail Tail1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

4/16/2026Common Raven Flyover1 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/16/2026Lake Calumet area--Big Marsh/Park #5641 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/16/2026Marquette Park1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

4/16/2026Thorn Creek Headwaters Preserve--east side2 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

4/16/2026Washington Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

84/14/2026

Ring-billed Gull

24/14/2026

Caspian Tern

14/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/14/2026

Purple Martin

14/14/2026

European Starling

54/14/2026

House Sparrow

74/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

94/14/2026

Common Grackle

44/14/2026

Mute Swan

74/13/2026

Blue-winged Teal

74/13/2026

Mallard

84/13/2026

Redhead

44/13/2026

Lesser Scaup

164/13/2026

Hooded Merganser

14/13/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

14/13/2026

Ruddy Duck

14/13/2026

American Coot

1504/13/2026

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 Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Canvasback, Redhead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area?
Birding at Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area?
Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.