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

Loading map...

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

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

5/28/2026Santa Fe Bottoms4 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

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

35/30/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/30/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/30/2026

Northern House Wren

15/30/2026

Gray Catbird

15/30/2026

Eastern Towhee

15/30/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/30/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

45/30/2026

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

15/30/2026

Indigo Bunting

45/30/2026

Canada Goose

65/29/2026

Mallard

15/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

235/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/29/2026

Osprey

25/29/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/29/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/29/2026

White-eyed Vireo

25/29/2026

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.