Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Common Merganser, 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

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

3/5/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026US-IL-Bolingbrook-60440 - 41.7277x-88.07391 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/2/2026Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center31 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

3/1/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

2/27/2026Rural Morris IL1 observed

Great Egret

Ardea alba

2/26/2026Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve2 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

2/24/2026Home - Westmont, IL1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/21/2026Sable Ridge Ponds4 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/21/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

82/28/2026

Common Merganser

352/28/2026

American Herring Gull

22/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

52/28/2026

Cooper's Hawk

12/28/2026

Bald Eagle

32/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/28/2026

American Robin

122/28/2026

White-throated Sparrow

12/28/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

12/28/2026

American Tree Sparrow

2/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

12/28/2026

Sandhill Crane

2/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

42/28/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

12/28/2026

Mute Swan

22/28/2026

Northern Shoveler

82/28/2026

Mallard

42/28/2026

Green-winged Teal

12/28/2026

Redhead

162/28/2026

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 Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve?
Notable species at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve include Canada Goose, Common Merganser, American Herring Gull, Great Blue Heron, Cooper's Hawk. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve?
Birding at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve?
Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.