Carlyle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Illinois largest man-made lake is a paradise for bird-watching enthusiasts. It features over 200 acres of grasslands, 2,300 acres of woodlands, and a whopping 5,800 acres of wetland and lake shoreline. The four wetland restoration areas are teeming with waterfowl and migratory birds. Duck and geese are very common throughout the year, although you can see hundreds of them wading in the water during late fall and winter. Other migratory birds that have been spotted in the area include double-crested cormorants, monk parakeets, and Eurasian collard-doves. Just take extra precautions when you are visiting this area is also a popular spot for hunters and trappers.