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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

4/15/2026Clinton Lake SRA--Mascoutin Beach and Boat Ramp2 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/14/2026Clinton Lake SRA--Radio Tower Access1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

4/13/2026Pond by BOBO spot - 1119 N 200 East Rd, Cerro Gordo US-IL 39.95376, -88.707151 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/13/2026Weldon Springs State Park1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

4/11/2026Sawyer Rd, Decatur US-IL 39.93189, -88.936995 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

4/11/2026Sawyer Rd, Decatur US-IL 39.93189, -88.936991 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

4/11/2026Sawyer Rd, Decatur US-IL 39.93189, -88.936992 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/5/2026610 E Shafer St, Decatur US-IL (39.9354,-88.9479)1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/5/2026610 E Shafer St, Decatur US-IL (39.9354,-88.9479)2 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

4/4/2026Centennial Park, Heyworth1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/3/2026Weldon Springs State Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Loon

14/3/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

14/3/2026

Blue Jay

14/3/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/3/2026

Hermit Thrush

14/3/2026

American Robin

24/3/2026

Field Sparrow

14/3/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

44/3/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

14/3/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/3/2026

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.