A small sample of Wolf Lake wintering waterfowl population
Event Type: Bird Walk
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Location: Wolf Lake/William W. Powers State Recreation Area
Address: Avenue O & E. 126th Place, Chicago, IL Map
This lake can be a magnet for wintering waterfowl whenever the water isn’t frozen. We’ll look for the diverse birds that will soon be heading back north. Frequent species at the end of March include Canvasback, Redhead, Goldeneye, Gadwall, Bufflehead, Greater & Lesser Scaup, Coot, all three Mergansers, gulls, and more. Plus arriving Horned and Pied-billed Grebes.
Some of the waterfowl can be swimming some distance from the shore. We’ll have scopes to help ID the more distant birds. If you have a scope, you may want to bring it.
We’ll meet in the south parking lot by the new observation deck (map), check out the birds there, and then caravan through the preserve to the east side of the lake.
There are restrooms by the nature center.
The bird walk is free and open to everyone. New birders are welcome! No registration required.
Leaders: Marlys Oosting & Eric Myers
Last minute event changes: If weather necessitates a last minute cancellation, the information will be posted at the top of this page. If the weather is iffy, check this page before coming. Alternately, use the form below to sign up for an event change notification. We’ll email you if this bird walk has to be cancelled.
Questions? Send an email to: thorncreekaudubon@gmail.com
Wolf Lake: March 25…Canvasback, March 29…Great Black-backed Gull, April 6…Horned Grebe