Lake Bloomington

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Bloomington is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 225 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Ring-billed Gull, and American Herring 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

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

3/3/2026Tompkins Drive, Normal1 observed

Snowy Owl

Bubo scandiacus

3/2/2026NW of Gridley1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/1/2026Riley Starkey Park1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/28/2026Evergreen Lake--Shady Hallow Area50 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

2/25/2026Evergreen Lake (McLean Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

133/3/2026

Ring-billed Gull

463/3/2026

American Herring Gull

33/3/2026

Horned Grebe

13/3/2026

American Crow

13/3/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

83/3/2026

Mallard

23/2/2026

Mourning Dove

43/2/2026

American White Pelican

63/2/2026

Bald Eagle

13/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Blue Jay

23/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/2/2026

American Robin

23/2/2026

House Sparrow

23/2/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

13/2/2026

Gadwall

53/1/2026

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 Lake Bloomington for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Bloomington for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Bloomington?
Notable species at Lake Bloomington include Canada Goose, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Horned Grebe, American Crow. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Bloomington?
Birding at Lake Bloomington is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Bloomington?
Lake Bloomington offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.