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

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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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

7/12/2026Carlyle Lake--Whitetail Access (Clinton Co.)2 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/11/2026Chipwood Ln, Centralia US-IL (38.5402,-89.1003)1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/8/2026Carlyle Lake--Whitetail Access (Clinton Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

37/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

3007/17/2026

Caspian Tern

147/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

57/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/17/2026

Eastern Bluebird

17/17/2026

House Sparrow

17/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/17/2026

Canada Goose

267/14/2026

Wood Duck

17/14/2026

Mourning Dove

17/14/2026

Willet

17/14/2026

Forster's Tern

27/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/14/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/14/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/14/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/14/2026

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.