Lake birding habitat

Carlyle Lake FWA - Patoka Access

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Carlyle Lake FWA - Patoka Access is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Gadwall, and Northern Pintail 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

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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/13/2026Carlyle Sewage Ponds (restricted access)1 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

American Pipit

14/10/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/10/2026

Blue-winged Teal

404/10/2026

Northern Shoveler

204/10/2026

Green-winged Teal

504/10/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

34/10/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

24/10/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

2004/10/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

1504/10/2026

Dunlin

404/10/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

64/10/2026

Ring-billed Gull

94/10/2026

Caspian Tern

24/10/2026

Forster's Tern

174/10/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

84/10/2026

Great Blue Heron

104/10/2026

American White Pelican

404/10/2026

Turkey Vulture

104/10/2026

Bald Eagle

254/10/2026

Mourning Dove

24/10/2026

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 FWA - Patoka Access for birding?
The best months to visit Carlyle Lake FWA - Patoka Access for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Carlyle Lake FWA - Patoka Access?
Notable species at Carlyle Lake FWA - Patoka Access include Snow Goose, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Carlyle Lake FWA - Patoka Access?
Birding at Carlyle Lake FWA - Patoka Access is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Carlyle Lake FWA - Patoka Access?
Carlyle Lake FWA - Patoka Access offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.