Mallard Lake Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
ForestLake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Mallard Lake Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This forest and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, 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

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

3/6/2026Air Station Prairie, Glenview2 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/5/2026Broadsmore Drive Ponds, Algonquin1 observed

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

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/4/2026Bensenville Ditch1 observed

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

3/2/2026Raceway Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

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

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

3/1/2026Bailey House1 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

3/1/2026Kline Creek Farm3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

93/6/2026

Canada Goose

1683/6/2026

Gadwall

83/6/2026

Mallard

113/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

13/6/2026

Sandhill Crane

313/6/2026

Killdeer

93/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

163/6/2026

American Herring Gull

23/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/6/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

13/6/2026

European Starling

13/6/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/6/2026

American Robin

233/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

153/6/2026

Common Grackle

63/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/6/2026

Redhead

13/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

143/4/2026

Common Goldeneye

43/4/2026

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