Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Radio Tower Access

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Radio Tower Access is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 222 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

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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

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/6/2026River Bend Forest Preserve2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/6/2026Allerton Park23 observed

Tundra Swan (Whistling)

Cygnus columbianus

3/2/2026River Bend Forest Preserve3 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/2/2026River Bend Forest Preserve1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/2/2026River Bend Forest Preserve3 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

3/1/2026Smith Yard1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

2/27/2026River Bend Forest Preserve7 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/1/2026

Wood Duck

73/1/2026

Northern Shoveler

13/1/2026

Gadwall

53/1/2026

Mallard

2503/1/2026

Bufflehead

33/1/2026

Hooded Merganser

33/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

5003/1/2026

Bald Eagle

13/1/2026

Blue Jay

23/1/2026

Carolina Wren

13/1/2026

European Starling

753/1/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

13/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

43/1/2026

Northern Pintail

52/28/2026

Green-winged Teal

102/28/2026

Killdeer

122/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/28/2026

American Crow

42/28/2026

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 - Radio Tower Access for birding?
The best months to visit Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Radio Tower Access 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 - Radio Tower Access?
Notable species at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Radio Tower Access include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Radio Tower Access?
Birding at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Radio Tower Access is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Radio Tower Access?
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area - Radio Tower Access offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.