Lake birding habitat

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Radio Tower Access

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Radio Tower Access is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Northern Shoveler 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

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

4/14/2026Cnty Rd 2000 N b/w 150 E & N 1500 E1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

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

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

4/14/2026Riverbend Blvd3 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

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/10/2026Moraine View State Park1 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

Canada Goose

84/14/2026

Blue-winged Teal

84/14/2026

Northern Shoveler

14/14/2026

Mallard

44/14/2026

Green-winged Teal

14/14/2026

Hooded Merganser

34/14/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

24/14/2026

American Coot

604/14/2026

Killdeer

14/14/2026

Wilson's Snipe

254/14/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

14/14/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

54/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Northern Flicker

24/14/2026

Blue Jay

24/14/2026

American Crow

34/14/2026

Tree Swallow

64/14/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/14/2026

American Robin

24/14/2026

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 - Radio Tower Access for birding?
The best months to visit Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Radio Tower Access 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 - Radio Tower Access?
Notable species at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Radio Tower Access include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Radio Tower Access?
Birding at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Radio Tower Access is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Radio Tower Access?
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Radio Tower Access offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.