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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

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

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

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

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

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

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/13/2026General Dean Suspension Bridge Park4 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/13/2026General Dean Suspension Bridge Park1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/12/20261153–1199 19th St, Carlyle US-IL (38.6166,-89.3822)1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/11/2026Carlyle Sewage Ponds (restricted access)15 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/11/2026Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area Boat Ramp, Carlyle US-IL1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/10/20261153–1199 19th St, Carlyle US-IL (38.6166,-89.3822)1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

4/10/2026Sale Barn Ave, Smithboro US-IL (38.8585,-89.3050)12 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

14/15/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/15/2026

Great Egret

94/15/2026

American White Pelican

14/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/15/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/15/2026

Fish Crow

14/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/15/2026

Carolina Wren

14/15/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/15/2026

Canada Goose

104/15/2026

Killdeer

24/15/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

24/15/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

154/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

44/15/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

174/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

34/15/2026

Bald Eagle

14/15/2026

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.