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

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

7/19/2026Kickapoo Park, Downs1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/19/2026Lodge Park1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/11/2026Moraine View State Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/9/2026Allerton Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern House Wren

7/18/2026

Carolina Wren

7/18/2026

Gray Catbird

7/18/2026

Field Sparrow

7/18/2026

Eastern Towhee

7/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

7/18/2026

American Robin

37/18/2026

Cedar Waxwing

27/18/2026

House Sparrow

217/18/2026

Common Grackle

17/18/2026

Green Heron

17/12/2026

Chimney Swift

17/12/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/12/2026

European Starling

47/12/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/10/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

127/10/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/10/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/10/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/10/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/10/2026

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.