Rend Lake - Nason Observation Tower

Illinois · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Rend Lake - Nason Observation Tower is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Common Loon Bald Eagle Double-crested Cormorant Ring-billed Gull Bufflehead

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/12/2026401 N 27th St, Mount Vernon US-IL (38.3197,-88.9254)1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/11/2026Jefferson County marshes along the Hamilton County line1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/11/2026Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area, Ina US-IL 38.13969, -88.917411 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/8/2026Rend Lake--Northern Section (Jefferson Co.)2 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/4/2026Bakerville Rd1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/10/2026

Blue-winged Teal

304/10/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/10/2026

Mallard

24/10/2026

Green-winged Teal

604/10/2026

Wild Turkey

14/10/2026

Mourning Dove

24/10/2026

American Golden-Plover

54/10/2026

Killdeer

24/10/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

404/10/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

204/10/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

604/10/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

1004/10/2026

Ring-billed Gull

44/10/2026

Common Loon

24/10/2026

Blue Jay

14/10/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/10/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

14/10/2026

American Robin

64/10/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

3004/10/2026

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

Parking

Trails

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Illinois Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Illinois →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Rend Lake - Nason Observation Tower for birding?▼

The best months to visit Rend Lake - Nason Observation Tower for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Rend Lake - Nason Observation Tower?▼

Notable species at Rend Lake - Nason Observation Tower include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Rend Lake - Nason Observation Tower?▼

Birding at Rend Lake - Nason Observation Tower is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Rend Lake - Nason Observation Tower?▼

Rend Lake - Nason Observation Tower offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.