Wood Dale Reservoir

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Wood Dale Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Red-breasted Merganser 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

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/5/2026Loyola Park1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park4 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

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

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/4/2026Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/4/2026Bensenville Ditch1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

3/4/20261207 Dobson1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/2/2026Lincoln Park--Jarvis Bird Sanctuary4 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

3/1/2026Bailey House1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

193/5/2026

Mallard

73/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

33/5/2026

American Herring Gull

103/5/2026

House Sparrow

23/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/4/2026

Blue Jay

13/4/2026

American Robin

23/4/2026

Common Merganser

103/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/3/2026

Bald Eagle

33/3/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/3/2026

Hooded Merganser

33/2/2026

Sandhill Crane

1163/2/2026

Common Goldeneye

23/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

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 Wood Dale Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Wood Dale Reservoir for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Wood Dale Reservoir?
Notable species at Wood Dale Reservoir include Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-breasted Merganser, American Herring Gull, House Sparrow. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wood Dale Reservoir?
Birding at Wood Dale Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Wood Dale Reservoir?
Wood Dale Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.