Grassland birding habitat

Eldon Hazlet State Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Eldon Hazlet State Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 287 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Mallard 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

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

5/31/2026Carlyle Lake--Whitetail Access (Clinton Co.)1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

5/29/2026Eldon Hazlet SP--Fish Ponds1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

5/28/20261751 Jefferson St, Carlyle US-IL (38.6122,-89.3801)2 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

5/28/2026Santa Fe Bottoms4 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

5/26/2026Carlyle Lake--James Hawn Access2 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

5/23/2026Carlyle city limits2 observed

Connecticut Warbler

Oporornis agilis

5/21/2026Eldon Hazlet State Park1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/19/2026Carlyle Lake--West Access Marina and Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

15/31/2026

Mallard

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Killdeer

25/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/31/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

15/31/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/31/2026

Tree Swallow

15/31/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/31/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/31/2026

Carolina Wren

25/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

Eastern Bluebird

15/31/2026

American Goldfinch

15/31/2026

Song Sparrow

15/31/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

25/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Eldon Hazlet State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Eldon Hazlet State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Eldon Hazlet State Park?
Notable species at Eldon Hazlet State Park include Snow Goose, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Ruddy Duck. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Eldon Hazlet State Park?
Birding at Eldon Hazlet State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Eldon Hazlet State Park?
Eldon Hazlet State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.