Mermet Lake

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Mermet Lake is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 263 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Wilson's Snipe, Canada Goose, 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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/6/2026Cache Chapel Rd, Ullin US-IL 37.28563, -89.118277 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

3/6/2026Cache Chapel Rd, Ullin US-IL 37.28563, -89.118272 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

3/6/2026Cache Chapel Rd, Ullin US-IL 37.28563, -89.118277 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

3/6/2026Shawnee National Forest, Golconda US-IL 37.28893, -88.603893 observed

Great Egret

Ardea alba

3/5/2026Shawnee Power Plant1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/28/2026Cache River State Natural Area--Cache River Wetlands Center2 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

2/28/2026Cache River State Natural Area--Cache River Wetlands Center1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

2/27/2026Mermet Lake1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

2/21/2026Bellrose Observation Deck Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wilson's Snipe

12/28/2026

Canada Goose

32/28/2026

Gadwall

262/28/2026

Mallard

52/28/2026

Green-winged Teal

192/28/2026

Ring-necked Duck

22/28/2026

Lesser Scaup

52/28/2026

Ruddy Duck

42/28/2026

Killdeer

22/28/2026

American Woodcock

12/28/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

92/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

42/28/2026

Bald Eagle

32/28/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

32/28/2026

Belted Kingfisher

12/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

22/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Blue Jay

12/28/2026

American Crow

92/28/2026

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