Carlyle Lake FWA

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Carlyle Lake FWA is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 231 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, 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

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

3/6/2026Carlyle Dam Road, Carlyle, Illinois, US (38.619, -89.353)1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

3/6/2026Carlyle 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

Northern Shoveler

23/4/2026

Green-winged Teal

3003/4/2026

Killdeer

193/4/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

753/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1253/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/4/2026

American White Pelican

1503/4/2026

Bald Eagle

243/4/2026

Northern Flicker

13/4/2026

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 FWA for birding?
The best months to visit Carlyle Lake FWA for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Carlyle Lake FWA?
Notable species at Carlyle Lake FWA include Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Killdeer, Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Carlyle Lake FWA?
Birding at Carlyle Lake FWA is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Carlyle Lake FWA?
Carlyle Lake FWA offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.