East Fork Lake

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

East Fork Lake is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Blue-winged Teal, 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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/4/2026East Fork Lake4 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

3/4/2026Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands (Wayne Co.)1 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/4/2026Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands (Wayne Co.)1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/4/2026Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands (Wayne Co.)2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands (Richland Co.)6 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

3/3/2026Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands (Wayne Co.)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

303/5/2026

Canada Goose

143/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

183/5/2026

Gadwall

203/5/2026

American Wigeon

23/5/2026

Mallard

353/5/2026

Northern Pintail

23/5/2026

Redhead

1503/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

443/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

1303/5/2026

Bufflehead

243/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

143/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

63/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

1683/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

753/5/2026

Mourning Dove

53/5/2026

American Coot

383/5/2026

Killdeer

33/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

33/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

43/5/2026

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