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

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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

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

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

5/25/2026River Bend Forest Preserve1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

5/23/2026Moraine View State Recreation Area, Ellsworth US-IL 40.41091, -88.723172 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

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

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

5/20/2026Allerton North1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

206/1/2026

Killdeer

86/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

86/1/2026

American White Pelican

46/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/1/2026

American Crow

56/1/2026

Tree Swallow

16/1/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

46/1/2026

Northern House Wren

26/1/2026

Carolina Wren

16/1/2026

Gray Catbird

26/1/2026

Brown Thrasher

16/1/2026

American Robin

26/1/2026

American Goldfinch

16/1/2026

Field Sparrow

16/1/2026

Song Sparrow

46/1/2026

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.