Wetland birding habitat

Lake Arispie/Marsh

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Arispie/Marsh is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 251 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Mute Swan 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

5/26/2026home1 observed

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

5/22/2026Miller-Anderson Nature Preserve (Bureau Co.)1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

5/20/2026Outside Mcnabb IL1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

25/30/2026

Mute Swan

25/30/2026

Wood Duck

195/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Killdeer

25/30/2026

Green Heron

15/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

45/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/30/2026

Osprey

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/30/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/30/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/30/2026

American Crow

15/30/2026

Tree Swallow

35/30/2026

Gray Catbird

55/30/2026

American Robin

45/30/2026

Cedar Waxwing

35/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

135/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Lake Arispie/Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Arispie/Marsh for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Arispie/Marsh?
Notable species at Lake Arispie/Marsh include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Trumpeter Swan, Northern Shoveler. The area supports wetland, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Arispie/Marsh?
Birding at Lake Arispie/Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Arispie/Marsh?
Lake Arispie/Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.