Carlyle Lake - West Access Marina and Beach

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Carlyle Lake - West Access Marina and Beach is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 249 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

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

233/5/2026

Mallard

563/5/2026

Bufflehead

33/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

283/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/5/2026

American Coot

13/5/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

1503/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

603/5/2026

American Herring Gull

43/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/5/2026

Horned Grebe

13/5/2026

American White Pelican

1303/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

23/5/2026

Carolina Chickadee

23/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

43/5/2026

Carolina Wren

13/5/2026

European Starling

73/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

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