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

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

7/19/2026Kickapoo Park, Downs1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/19/2026Lodge 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

Bank Swallow

7/18/2026

Tree Swallow

7/18/2026

Barn Swallow

7/18/2026

American Robin

7/18/2026

Cedar Waxwing

7/18/2026

American Goldfinch

7/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

7/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

7/18/2026

Indigo Bunting

7/18/2026

Dickcissel

7/18/2026

Mourning Dove

37/18/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/18/2026

Chimney Swift

17/18/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/18/2026

Killdeer

37/18/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/18/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

27/18/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/18/2026

Chipping Sparrow

27/18/2026

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.