Lakewood Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lakewood Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This forest 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

Loading map...

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

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

3/6/2026Air Station Prairie, Glenview2 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/5/2026Broadsmore Drive Ponds, Algonquin1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

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

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

3/4/2026Illinois Beach SP--South Unit1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

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

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

3/2/2026Raceway Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/2/2026Busse Woods--south pool5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

143/1/2026

Mute Swan

13/1/2026

Mallard

93/1/2026

Mourning Dove

123/1/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Northern Flicker

13/1/2026

Blue Jay

113/1/2026

American Crow

13/1/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

23/1/2026

American Robin

53/1/2026

American Tree Sparrow

693/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/1/2026

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