Lake birding habitat

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 221 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, and Greater White-fronted Goose 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

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

7/19/2026Kickapoo Park, Downs1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/19/2026Lodge Park1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/11/2026Moraine View State Park1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

7/10/2026Home1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/9/2026Allerton Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Spotted Sandpiper

27/10/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

127/10/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/10/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/10/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/10/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/10/2026

Northern Flicker

27/10/2026

Eastern Phoebe

27/10/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/10/2026

American Crow

27/10/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/10/2026

Northern House Wren

47/10/2026

Carolina Wren

17/10/2026

Gray Catbird

37/10/2026

Brown Thrasher

17/10/2026

Wood Thrush

17/10/2026

Chipping Sparrow

27/10/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/10/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

57/10/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/10/2026

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 Clinton Lake State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Clinton Lake State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area include Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Gadwall. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area?
Birding at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area?
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.