Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Peninsula Day Use Area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Peninsula Day Use Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/6/2026Allerton Park23 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

3/1/2026Smith Yard1 observed

Northern Shrike

Lanius borealis

2/26/2026Upper Sangamon River Land and Water Reserve1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

2/22/2026Centennial Park, Heyworth1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

43/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

23/5/2026

Gadwall

183/5/2026

Mallard

63/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

13/5/2026

Redhead

33/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

123/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

33/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

43/5/2026

Common Merganser

33/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

803/5/2026

Mourning Dove

173/5/2026

American Coot

703/5/2026

Killdeer

13/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

33/5/2026

Horned Grebe

63/5/2026

Barred Owl

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

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