Independence Grove Lake County Forest Preserve

 

Although this forest preserve is mainly focused on recreation, the deep-water lake (a former rock quarry) is a prime site for spring/fall migration of grebes, ducks, and loons which can often be at quite a close distance. The preserve features a 3-mile loop along the lake plus a shorter 0.7-mile loop along the north bay and connects across the Des Plaines River to the Casey Trail to the west and to the Des Plaines River Trail to both the south and north. These make for excellent spring and summer birding by bike.

Location: Libertyville (Central Lake County) 
Best Time of Year: Spring, Summer, Fall
Key Species: Ducks, grebes, loons, geese in spring and fall, Indigo Buntings, meadowlarks, sparrows, and wrens in summer.
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