Lake birding habitat

Carlyle Lake - Coles Creek

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Carlyle Lake - Coles Creek is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Mallard among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Mourning Dove

15/20/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

35/20/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/20/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/20/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/20/2026

White-eyed Vireo

25/20/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/20/2026

American Crow

25/20/2026

Fish Crow

15/20/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/20/2026

Carolina Wren

15/20/2026

Gray Catbird

35/20/2026

Gray-cheeked Thrush

25/20/2026

Swainson's Thrush

25/20/2026

American Robin

15/20/2026

American Goldfinch

15/20/2026

Chipping Sparrow

25/20/2026

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