Rend Lake Spillway

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Rend Lake Spillway is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, and Ring-billed Gull 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

Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/6/2026Burning Star Mine1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

3/5/2026533 North 23rd Street, Herrin, Illinois, US (37.808, -89.037)

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

2/27/2026Rend Lake--South (Franklin Co.)2 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

2/26/202611535-12337 East Bonnie Road, Bonnie, Illinois, US (38.199, -88.924)

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

2/23/2026501 Roosevelt Street, Elkville, Illinois, US (37.934, -89.234)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

2/26/2026

Rock Pigeon

2/26/2026

Ring-billed Gull

2/26/2026

American Herring Gull

2/26/2026

American White Pelican

2/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

2/26/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

2/26/2026

Great Horned Owl

2/26/2026

Belted Kingfisher

2/26/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

2/26/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

2/26/2026

Blue Jay

2/26/2026

American Crow

2/26/2026

Carolina Chickadee

2/26/2026

Tufted Titmouse

2/26/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

2/26/2026

Carolina Wren

2/26/2026

European Starling

2/26/2026

American Robin

2/26/2026

Fox Sparrow

2/26/2026

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 Rend Lake Spillway for birding?
The best months to visit Rend Lake Spillway for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rend Lake Spillway?
Notable species at Rend Lake Spillway include Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, American White Pelican. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rend Lake Spillway?
Birding at Rend Lake Spillway is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Rend Lake Spillway?
Rend Lake Spillway offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.