Lake birding habitat

Carlyle Lake - Whitetail Access

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Carlyle Lake - Whitetail Access is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 264 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snow Goose 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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/15/2026Carlyle Sewage Ponds (restricted access)2 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/15/2026South Shore Park--Crappie Cove1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/15/2026South Shore Park--Crappie Cove2 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/15/2026Carlyle Lake--Boulder Recreation Area1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/15/2026Carlyle Lake--Thomas Pigg Access (Fayette Co.)1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/15/2026Carlyle Lake FWA--Patoka Access (Fayette Co.)2 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/14/2026South Shore Park--Crappie Cove1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Pipit

14/10/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/10/2026

Blue-winged Teal

404/10/2026

Northern Shoveler

204/10/2026

Green-winged Teal

504/10/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

34/10/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

24/10/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

2004/10/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

1504/10/2026

Dunlin

404/10/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

64/10/2026

Ring-billed Gull

94/10/2026

Caspian Tern

24/10/2026

Forster's Tern

174/10/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

84/10/2026

Great Blue Heron

104/10/2026

American White Pelican

404/10/2026

Turkey Vulture

104/10/2026

Bald Eagle

254/10/2026

Mourning Dove

24/10/2026

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 - Whitetail Access for birding?
The best months to visit Carlyle Lake - Whitetail Access for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Carlyle Lake - Whitetail Access?
Notable species at Carlyle Lake - Whitetail Access include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Carlyle Lake - Whitetail Access?
Birding at Carlyle Lake - Whitetail Access is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Carlyle Lake - Whitetail Access?
Carlyle Lake - Whitetail Access offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.