Birding in the Preserve is best during spring and fall migration. 

Migrants can be found anywhere in the area. 

In 2006 migratory bird counts were conducted in the Preserve. For an overview, see:

• Migratory Bird Surveys

Passerine migration
The Lakeshore Nature Preserve is perhaps best known for its warbler migration.  Between April 25 (some years a little earlier) and May 22 (some years later) 30 or more species of warblers are usually observed in the area, though not usually all at once.  Rarer warblers such as Hooded, Cerulean, Yellow-throated, Black-throated Blue, Prothonotary, Mourning, and Connecticut are reported at least once most years.  Picnic Point can have spectacular passerine migrant “fall out” in the spring.  These unusual weather related events can isolate hundreds or thousands of  migrating birds on the Point for several days, often allowing visitors to see 20 or more warbler species (and multiple individuals of many species) in a couple of hours in May.  In the fall (August 20-Oct 5), Frautschi Point usually has more song bird migrants, but the Picnic Point Marsh also frequently has good warbler diversity. In the fall the field edge can be productive for woodland migrants.  The prairie, garden, and old fields support a diverse set of sparrows, especially from mid-September through October. 

Other migrants
Shorebirds and wading birds can periodically be found at the 1918 Marsh and University Bay, often at Gull Island by Willow Creek.   Hawks regularly migrate through and can be best seen from the open areas and the Class of 1918 Marsh. 

In order to learn more about bird migration, some history of the birds of the Preserve, and where and when to find them, see:

In order to find out about the importance of the Preserve and other wooded areas to migratory birds see: