Lake birding habitat

Carlyle Lake - Parking Area 3

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Carlyle Lake - Parking Area 3 is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 252 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Northern Shoveler 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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

6/1/2026Carlyle Sewage Ponds (restricted access)1 observed

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

Connecticut Warbler

Oporornis agilis

5/21/2026Eldon Hazlet State Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

36/1/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

26/1/2026

Killdeer

16/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/1/2026

Great Egret

36/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

46/1/2026

Osprey

16/1/2026

Bald Eagle

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/1/2026

Northern Flicker

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

26/1/2026

Willow Flycatcher

26/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

36/1/2026

White-eyed Vireo

16/1/2026

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 - Parking Area 3 for birding?
The best months to visit Carlyle Lake - Parking Area 3 for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Carlyle Lake - Parking Area 3?
Notable species at Carlyle Lake - Parking Area 3 include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Carlyle Lake - Parking Area 3?
Birding at Carlyle Lake - Parking Area 3 is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Carlyle Lake - Parking Area 3?
Carlyle Lake - Parking Area 3 offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.