Lake birding habitat

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Peninsula Day Use Area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Peninsula Day Use Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

5/27/2026400 N. and 1100 E., Shirley1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

5/25/2026Heyworth Quarry Ponds (roadside birding only)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/25/2026Lodge Park Forest Preserve--Bucks Pond and Cemetery1 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

5/25/2026Lodge Park Forest Preserve--Bucks Pond and Cemetery2 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

5/22/2026Clinton Lake SRA--Mascoutin Beach and Boat Ramp1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/22/2026Clinton Lake SRA--Mascoutin Beach and Boat Ramp6 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

5/20/2026Home1 observed

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

5/20/2026Allerton North1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Hairy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/31/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Brown Thrasher

25/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Killdeer

35/30/2026

Bald Eagle

15/30/2026

Blue Jay

25/30/2026

Barn Swallow

25/30/2026

Northern House Wren

35/30/2026

American Robin

65/30/2026

Cedar Waxwing

25/30/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

155/30/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

35/30/2026

Mallard

25/29/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/29/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/29/2026

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 Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Peninsula Day Use Area for birding?
The best months to visit Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Peninsula Day Use 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 - Peninsula Day Use Area?
Notable species at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Peninsula Day Use Area include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Peninsula Day Use Area?
Birding at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Peninsula Day Use 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 - Peninsula Day Use Area?
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Peninsula Day Use Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.