Lake birding habitat

Carlyle Lake - James Hawn Access

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Carlyle Lake - James Hawn Access is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Gadwall, Mallard, and Green-winged Teal 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

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/9/2026Carlyle Lake--Boulder Recreation Area3 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

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

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

7/4/2026Carlyle Lake--Coles Creek1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/4/2026Carlyle Lake--Whitetail Access (Clinton Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/15/2026

Killdeer

17/15/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1117/15/2026

Caspian Tern

1317/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

107/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/15/2026

Osprey

17/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/15/2026

White-eyed Vireo

27/15/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/15/2026

Fish Crow

17/15/2026

Barn Swallow

17/15/2026

Northern House Wren

17/15/2026

Song Sparrow

17/15/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

37/15/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

17/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

37/15/2026

Indigo Bunting

47/15/2026

Canada Goose

177/13/2026

Mallard

127/13/2026

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