Lake birding habitat

Rend Lake Spillway

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Rend Lake Spillway is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, and Ring-billed Gull 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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/2/2026N Sandusky Creek Loop, Sesser US-IL 38.07076, -88.990542 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

5/29/2026Rend Lake--South Marcum Public Use Area and Campground1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

45/29/2026

Mourning Dove

25/29/2026

Ring-billed Gull

15/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/29/2026

Great Egret

15/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

315/29/2026

Black Vulture

15/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/29/2026

Bald Eagle

15/29/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/29/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/29/2026

Cliff Swallow

1505/29/2026

House Sparrow

25/29/2026

Chipping Sparrow

15/29/2026

Field Sparrow

15/29/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

15/29/2026

Orchard Oriole

15/29/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

35/29/2026

Common Grackle

255/29/2026

Dickcissel

15/29/2026

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 Spillway for birding?
The best months to visit Rend Lake Spillway for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rend Lake Spillway?
Notable species at Rend Lake Spillway include Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, American White Pelican. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rend Lake Spillway?
Birding at Rend Lake Spillway is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Rend Lake Spillway?
Rend Lake Spillway offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.