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Baker’s Lake Nature Preserve

Nestled in northwest Cook County, 330-acre Baker’s Lake Forest Preserve is home to one of the most significant heron rookeries in the Midwest. Nestled in northwest Cook County, 330-acre Baker’s Lake Forest Preserve is home to one of the most significant heron rookeries in the Midwest.

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About Baker’s Lake Nature Preserve

Baker’s Lake is a birdwatcher’s dream. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope to view all of the bird life on the lake and in the prairie. At the north end of the lake, visitors can observe the island rookery from a viewing platform. The rookery is made of several large wooden structures, each with three nesting platforms. Through binoculars or a strong camera lens, the structures look like scaffolding. Come in June to catch the height of breeding season, when the rookery becomes a truly wild and noisy place.

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