Eldon Hazlet State Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Eldon Hazlet State Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 287 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Northern Shoveler, 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

3/6/2026Carlyle 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

Snow Goose

233/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

173/5/2026

Mallard

423/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

23/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

33/5/2026

Mourning Dove

43/5/2026

Killdeer

13/5/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

643/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

433/5/2026

American White Pelican

1453/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/5/2026

European Starling

143/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

13/5/2026

American Robin

13/5/2026

Field Sparrow

13/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

103/5/2026

Song Sparrow

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

63/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Eldon Hazlet State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Eldon Hazlet State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Eldon Hazlet State Park?
Notable species at Eldon Hazlet State Park include Snow Goose, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Ruddy Duck. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Eldon Hazlet State Park?
Birding at Eldon Hazlet State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Eldon Hazlet State Park?
Eldon Hazlet State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.