Lake birding habitat

Mermet Lake

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Mermet Lake is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 263 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Wilson's Snipe, Canada Goose, and Gadwall 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

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/13/20263681 Shawnee College Rd, Olmsted US-IL (37.2703,-89.1141)1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

4/13/2026Bellrose Observation Deck Area2 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

4/13/2026Bellrose Observation Deck Area1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/13/2026Bellrose Observation Deck Area5 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/13/2026Cypress Creek NWR--Limekiln Springs Slough1 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

4/13/2026Bellrose Observation Deck Area1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/12/20261123 Country Club Road, Metropolis, IL3 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/12/2026Fort Massac State Park1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/10/2026Fort Massac State Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

4/10/2026Fort Massac State Park2 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/9/2026Mermet Lake1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/9/2026Mermet Lake1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

4/9/2026370 East 2nd Street, New Grand Chain, Illinois, US (37.251, -89.017)1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/8/2026Bellrose Observation Deck Area2 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/7/20261123 Country Club Road, Metropolis, IL1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eastern Kingbird

24/12/2026

Canada Goose

54/9/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

24/9/2026

Caspian Tern

24/9/2026

Great Egret

44/9/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/9/2026

Osprey

14/9/2026

Bald Eagle

14/9/2026

Northern Flicker

14/9/2026

American Crow

44/9/2026

Fish Crow

24/9/2026

Tufted Titmouse

54/9/2026

Purple Martin

24/9/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/9/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/9/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

10004/9/2026

Northern Cardinal

44/9/2026

Wood Duck

54/9/2026

Blue-winged Teal

84/9/2026

Wild Turkey

14/9/2026

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 Mermet Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Mermet Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Mermet Lake?
Notable species at Mermet Lake include Wilson's Snipe, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mermet Lake?
Birding at Mermet Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mermet Lake?
Mermet Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.