Some of the best pelagic birding in the Midwest outside of the Great Lakes can be found here in Southern Illinois, on Carlyle Lake! Over the last 10 years, I've seen numerous pelagic species on the lake on various pelagic birding trips including Eared Grebe, Red-necked and Red Phalaropes, Parasitic Jaegers, Sabine's, Laughing, Franklins, California, Lesser Black-backed and Great Black-backed Gulls, all tern species including Arctic Tern, among the usual species. Most years we can at least see a phalarope, Laughing Gull, and all terns but usually have some other goodies most trips. In 2020 we saw Parasitic Jaeger on multiple trips, and also some goodies like Laughing and Franklin's Gulls as well as Red-necked Phalarope. In 2021, we saw Parasitic Jaeger on one, 3 Sabine's Gulls and Eared Grebe on the other, along with Red-necked Phalaropes on both, large numbers of terns, and Laughing Gull! 

​At the current time, the dates for 2022 are September 17, 24, and October 1! Trips are $45 per person which includes the rental, gas, and chum as well! The time of the trip is 3-6pm, departing from the West Access Marina at the south end of Carlyle Lake, please be there about 15-20 minutes early so we can leave the marina at or even before 3! Cash or check is preferred but can also be sent through Venmo (text me for my Venmo account). LIMITED to 10 people max not including myself and the driver.


​Below are the pelagic trip reports from 2020 and 2021!