Lake birding habitat

Carbondale Reservoir

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Carbondale Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Ruddy Duck, and Killdeer among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/14/2026Thompson Woods1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/13/20267398 Hickory Ridge Rd, Pomona, IL1 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

4/12/2026Hickory Ridge, SNF,, Pomona US-IL 37.65903, -89.375121 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/12/2026LAKE OF EGYPT/EAGLE POINT BAY

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/11/20261 Starlight Ln, Carbondale US-IL 37.69156, -89.173832 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/11/2026Cedar Lake--Cedar Creek Boat Ramp1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/11/2026Oakwood Bottoms--Greentree Reservoir2 observed

Northern House Wren (Northern)

Troglodytes aedon

4/11/20261602 Broeking Road1 observed

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

4/10/2026LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/10/2026LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

4/10/2026LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/9/20261 Starlight Ln, Carbondale US-IL 37.69156, -89.173831 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

4/9/2026Hickory Ridge Rd, SNF, Pomona US-IL 37.67761, -89.392191 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

214/13/2026

Blue-winged Teal

34/13/2026

Mallard

104/13/2026

Ruddy Duck

64/13/2026

Killdeer

14/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

54/13/2026

Great Egret

24/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/13/2026

Black Vulture

264/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/13/2026

Bald Eagle

14/13/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/13/2026

Barred Owl

14/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/13/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Northern Flicker

14/13/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/13/2026

Blue Jay

24/13/2026

American Crow

34/13/2026

Fish Crow

14/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Carbondale Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Carbondale Reservoir for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Carbondale Reservoir?
Notable species at Carbondale Reservoir include Canada Goose, Ruddy Duck, Killdeer, Fish Crow, Northern Mockingbird. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Carbondale Reservoir?
Birding at Carbondale Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Carbondale Reservoir?
Carbondale Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.