Lake birding habitat

Rend Lake - Northern Section

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Rend Lake - Northern Section is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 216 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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

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

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

4/1/2026Rend Lake--Nason Observation Tower (Jefferson Co.)5 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

4/1/2026Rend Lake--Nason Observation Tower (Jefferson Co.)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Tree Swallow

34/14/2026

Canada Goose

24/14/2026

Mourning Dove

24/14/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

44/14/2026

Great Egret

224/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

84/14/2026

American White Pelican

104/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/14/2026

Cliff Swallow

34/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

34/14/2026

American Coot

84/12/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

204/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

404/12/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/12/2026

Osprey

14/12/2026

Forster's Tern

14/12/2026

House Finch

24/12/2026

American Goldfinch

14/12/2026

Pine Warbler

14/12/2026

Mallard

24/12/2026

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 Rend Lake - Northern Section for birding?
The best months to visit Rend Lake - Northern Section for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rend Lake - Northern Section?
Notable species at Rend Lake - Northern Section include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rend Lake - Northern Section?
Birding at Rend Lake - Northern Section is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Rend Lake - Northern Section?
Rend Lake - Northern Section offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.