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

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

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

Canada Goose

115/31/2026

Wood Duck

125/31/2026

Mallard

65/31/2026

Mourning Dove

55/31/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/31/2026

Black-necked Stilt

25/31/2026

Killdeer

145/31/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

15/31/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

245/31/2026

Great Egret

325/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

105/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

Bald Eagle

25/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

15/31/2026

American Crow

15/31/2026

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.