Washington Park is a large park in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. The Park consists of two large loops; one north and one south of Morgan Drive and contains a wide variety of habitat types ranging from grassy meadow to forest to lagoon.

During spring, fall and winter (if the lake remains unfrozen), large numbers of waterbirds appear on the lake.

Hegewisch Marsh is 129 acres of native marsh, wetland, and wet prairie habitats along the Calumet River. The site has over a mile of trails through the scenic park.

in addition to the many common species that regularly appear, such rarities as Marbled Godwit, Red Knot and Long-billed Dowitcher have also been observed in recent years.

Its open water attracts a myriad of waterfowl, and the marshy portions have provided nesting habitat for Pied-billed Grebes, Least Bitterns and Common Moorhens.

Indian Ridge Marsh is 154 acres of native marsh and wet prairie habitat.

A surprisingly large variety of birds, of which 100 species nest.

The 250 acres of primarily marsh and oaks support a host of migrants (from ducks to warblers and sparrows), while such uncommon species as Virginia Rail and Yellow-headed Blackbird have nested here.

Given its varied plantings and location, the site hosts numerous migrants and wintering ducks.

Chicago’s newest lakefront preserve for migratory birds