Hastings Lake Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
ForestLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hastings Lake Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This forest and 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

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/6/2026Center St, Grayslake US-IL 42.34477, -88.009071 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/6/2026Backyard1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/5/2026Chain-o-Lakes State Park1 observed

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

3/4/2026Prairie Springs Park/Lake Andrea1 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

3/4/2026Illinois Beach SP--North Unit/Camp Logan1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026Fourth Lake--Millennium Trail Overlook1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/1/2026Richard Bong SRA (general)2 observed

Common Gull

Larus canus

3/1/2026Pedersen Marina1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eastern Screech-Owl

13/6/2026

Canada Goose

43/5/2026

Mute Swan

23/5/2026

Mallard

23/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

Bald Eagle

13/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Great Horned Owl

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

33/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/5/2026

American Crow

23/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

13/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

23/5/2026

American Robin

23/5/2026

American Tree Sparrow

23/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

103/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

103/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/5/2026

Sandhill Crane

23/3/2026

Northern Flicker

23/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  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 Hastings Lake Forest Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Hastings Lake Forest Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Hastings Lake Forest Preserve?
Notable species at Hastings Lake Forest Preserve include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Bald Eagle. The area supports forest, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hastings Lake Forest Preserve?
Birding at Hastings Lake Forest Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Hastings Lake Forest Preserve?
Hastings Lake Forest Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.