Lake Charleston
Illinois · Midwest
About This Location
Lake Charleston is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 256 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Sandhill Crane, 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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Live Bird Data
Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Notable Sightings
Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
Black-necked Stilt
Himantopus mexicanus
Little Blue Heron
Egretta caerulea
American White Pelican
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Mallard
Chimney Swift
Great Blue Heron
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Blue Jay
Purple Martin
Carolina Wren
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Northern Cardinal
Canada Goose
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
American Crow
Birding Tips
- 1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
- 2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
Amenities
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Illinois Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Illinois →