Carlyle Lake

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Carlyle Lake is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 317 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Northern Shoveler among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Purple Martin

Progne subis

3/5/2026Carlyle Lake--West Access Marina and Beach2 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/4/2026Carlyle Lake--James Hawn Access2 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

3/4/2026South Shore Park1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

3/4/2026South Shore Park1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/4/2026South Shore Park4 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

2/28/2026Carlyle Lake--Spillway2 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

2/23/2026Carlyle Lake--West Access Marina and Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

393/4/2026

Wood Duck

13/4/2026

Northern Shoveler

903/4/2026

Gadwall

83/4/2026

Mallard

583/4/2026

Green-winged Teal

1503/4/2026

Bufflehead

43/4/2026

Common Goldeneye

13/4/2026

Ruddy Duck

653/4/2026

Mourning Dove

73/4/2026

American Coot

13/4/2026

Killdeer

43/4/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

2003/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1503/4/2026

American Herring Gull

13/4/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

33/4/2026

American White Pelican

753/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

133/4/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/4/2026

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