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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

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

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/13/2026South Shore Park--Stein Access1 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

Blue-winged Teal

34/12/2026

Mallard

24/12/2026

Killdeer

14/12/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

504/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

204/12/2026

Caspian Tern

34/12/2026

Forster's Tern

14/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/12/2026

American White Pelican

144/12/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/12/2026

American Crow

14/12/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/12/2026

Tree Swallow

84/12/2026

Song Sparrow

34/12/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/12/2026

Canada Goose

34/11/2026

Mourning Dove

14/11/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

124/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

134/11/2026

Osprey

24/11/2026

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.