Lake birding habitat

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Carlyle Lake is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 317 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Northern Shoveler 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

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

5/31/2026Carlyle Lake--Whitetail Access (Clinton Co.)1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

5/29/2026Eldon Hazlet SP--Fish Ponds1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

5/28/20261751 Jefferson St, Carlyle US-IL (38.6122,-89.3801)2 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

5/28/2026Santa Fe Bottoms4 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

5/26/2026Carlyle Lake--James Hawn Access2 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

5/23/2026Carlyle city limits2 observed

Connecticut Warbler

Oporornis agilis

5/21/2026Eldon Hazlet State Park1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/19/2026Carlyle Lake--West Access Marina and Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

406/1/2026

Mallard

66/1/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

16/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

456/1/2026

Caspian Tern

86/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

156/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

46/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/1/2026

Osprey

26/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/1/2026

Eastern Phoebe

16/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/1/2026

Fish Crow

36/1/2026

Purple Martin

206/1/2026

Barn Swallow

46/1/2026

Cliff Swallow

26/1/2026

European Starling

36/1/2026

American Robin

16/1/2026

House Sparrow

106/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

16/1/2026

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