Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This lake 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

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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

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

3/3/2026Lincoln Park--South Pond1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

623/6/2026

Mute Swan

103/6/2026

Trumpeter Swan

73/6/2026

Mallard

43/6/2026

Canvasback

753/6/2026

Redhead

2503/6/2026

Greater Scaup

1253/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

153/6/2026

Common Goldeneye

33/6/2026

Common Merganser

93/6/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

73/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/6/2026

Merlin

13/6/2026

European Starling

63/6/2026

American Robin

83/6/2026

American Tree Sparrow

13/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

153/6/2026

Gadwall

33/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

1553/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

43/5/2026

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 Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Canvasback, Redhead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area?
Birding at Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area?
Wolf Lake/William Powers State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.