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 215 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/2026South Shore Park--Crappie Cove2 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/17/2026County Road 200 East, Seminary Township, Illinois, US (38.827, -89.212)1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/17/2026County Road 200 East, Seminary Township, Illinois, US (38.827, -89.212)1 observed

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

4/16/2026South Shore Park--Crappie Cove1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/16/2026South Shore Park--Stein Access1 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

4/16/2026South Shore Park--Stein Access1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

4/16/2026Carlyle Lake--McNair Campground1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/16/20261904 Spillway Ln, Centralia US-IL 38.54627, -89.108232 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/15/2026Carlyle Sewage Ponds (restricted access)2 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/15/2026South Shore Park--Crappie Cove2 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/15/2026Carlyle Lake--Boulder Recreation Area1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/15/2026Carlyle Lake FWA--Patoka Access (Fayette Co.)2 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/14/2026South Shore Park--Crappie Cove1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/17/2026

Blue-winged Teal

454/17/2026

Gadwall

164/17/2026

Mallard

34/17/2026

Mourning Dove

54/17/2026

American Coot

14/17/2026

Killdeer

124/17/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

74/17/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

54/17/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

174/17/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

134/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

44/17/2026

Forster's Tern

14/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

94/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

124/17/2026

American White Pelican

1194/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/17/2026

Osprey

34/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/17/2026

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 Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. 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.