Izaak Walton Preserve, Homewood

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Izaak Walton Preserve, Homewood is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Ring-billed Gull 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

3/6/2026Steelworkers Park (#523, including IL portion of breakwater and Lake Michigan)2 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/5/2026Helmick Nature Preserve / Butterfield Creek Wetlands15 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

3/3/2026BP Warm Water Outlet1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026McGinnis Slough Forest Preserve2 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/3/2026Lake Calumet area--Lake Calumet/Harborside Golf Course5 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

2/25/2026Eggers Grove Forest Preserve (Chicago)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

263/5/2026

Mallard

23/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

13/5/2026

European Starling

103/5/2026

American Robin

63/5/2026

Song Sparrow

33/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

203/5/2026

Common Grackle

103/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/5/2026

Killdeer

13/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

53/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

53/4/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Northern Flicker

13/4/2026

American Crow

63/4/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

23/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

43/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Izaak Walton Preserve, Homewood for birding?
The best months to visit Izaak Walton Preserve, Homewood for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Izaak Walton Preserve, Homewood?
Notable species at Izaak Walton Preserve, Homewood include Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-billed Gull, Blue Jay, European Starling. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Izaak Walton Preserve, Homewood?
Birding at Izaak Walton Preserve, Homewood is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Izaak Walton Preserve, Homewood?
Izaak Walton Preserve, Homewood offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.