Carbondale Reservoir

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Carbondale Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Ruddy Duck, and Killdeer 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

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/6/2026Crab Orchard NWR--Spillway1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

3/6/2026Little Lake Road Fish Ponds1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

3/6/2026Little Lake Road Fish Ponds3 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/6/2026Little Lake Road Fish Ponds5 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/6/2026Burning Star Mine1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

3/5/2026533 North 23rd Street, Herrin, Illinois, US (37.808, -89.037)

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/3/2026LAKE OF EGYPT/EAGLE POINT BAY24 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026Crab Orchard NWR--Harmony Trail2 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/2/2026Crab Orchard NWR Campground1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

3/2/2026Crab Orchard NWR Campground2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/1/2026Post Oak Road, Carterville Thicket5 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

3/1/2026Crab Orchard NWR--Harmony Trail5 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

2/28/2026Carbondale Reservoir2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

43/6/2026

Canvasback

23/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

1403/6/2026

Killdeer

13/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/6/2026

Black Vulture

153/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

43/6/2026

Bald Eagle

13/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/6/2026

American Crow

33/6/2026

Song Sparrow

13/6/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/5/2026

Gadwall

103/2/2026

Ring-necked Duck

703/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

263/2/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/2/2026

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 Carbondale Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Carbondale Reservoir for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Carbondale Reservoir?
Notable species at Carbondale Reservoir include Canada Goose, Ruddy Duck, Killdeer, Fish Crow, Northern Mockingbird. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Carbondale Reservoir?
Birding at Carbondale Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Carbondale Reservoir?
Carbondale Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.