Seasonal Birding – Driving Trails


Each change of the seasons offers a different variety of birds and a different kind of birding experience. Some sights are good any time of the year and others are best for specific birds in specific seasons. Also note that different species of birds migrate north and south at different times, so there are several exceptional months of birding both spring and fall! See pages 7-10 for map/descriptions of numbered locations.


Spring Migrations Ducks and geese come through in late winter, shorebirds


breeze through in March, but the peak of songbird migration is late April through May. Woodland warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and an amazing array of rainbow-colored birds are all singing heartily! A well planned weekend along one of these routes will reveal more than 100 species for those willing to get out of the car and hike through the forested bluffs, wander along the edge of wetlands, and scan the horizons of prairies.


Suggested Routes: Plan to be in the forests along the river early in the morning!


• At the north end of the Illinois River Road, start your day with a hike at Starved Rock State Park (7), and then move on to Matthiessen State Park (8), ending your day at Illini State Park (1). On day two you could plan a bike ride along the I & M Canal (6) or walk the levee at Hennepin and Hopper Lakes (15).


• In the middle of the Illinois River Road, you should start with a visit to Forest Park Nature Center (26). An avid hiker could follow the Pimiteoui Trail to Detweiller Park (25), and Robinson Park (23), with Singing Woods (21) and Camp Wokanda (22) providing the best views of woodland species. One could drive a similar route, as well. Another option would be to bike the Rock Island Trail (24). A second day could include a visit to Wightman Lake (17) before crossing the river at Lacon, driving down through Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area (18), Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area (19), with a stop at Mendenhall Road Wetland (35), or McNaughton Park (33). Or you could spend a day at Jubilee College State Park (27) and Wildlife Prairie State Park (28); both offer great spring birding along their prairie and forested trails.


• At the south end of the Illinois River Road, be sure to visit both the prairie above and the wetlands within Te Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve (47), then cross the river to scan Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge (46) and end with a hike at Sand Ridge State Forest (45). On day two tour through Rice Lake (44), Copperas Creek (42) and Banner Marsh (41).


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Summer Nesting Birds Summer requires a more patient birder. You may not ratchet


up a long list of species, but a leisurely stroll and an attentive eye might find a Pileated Woodpecker high in a sycamore, a family of colorful wood ducks hiding in the shadows as you paddle your canoe downstream, or a bald eagle carrying a fresh caught fish to feed its fledglings. Bring extra water and don’t be shy about bug spray. More than 200 species nest in Illinois; a well-planned day will reward you with many intimate photographic moments.


Suggested Sites: Rather than race around the Illinois River Road, choose a site or two and count on quietly searching for the birds hiding on their nests. Te truth is, every site on this map hosts nesting birds and deserves a visit, but here are few special sites and species worth the drive:


• The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve (47) hosts Black-necked Stilts that look like they are wearing tuxedos with hot pink leggings! Coots and rails can be found in the cattails. • Eagle nests are visible from Route 26 both north and south of Lacon. • Orchard Orioles have been known to nest at Matthiessen State Park (8). • Acadian Flycatchers can be seen feeding young at Miller-Anderson Woods Nature Preserve (14). • Bernadotte Dam on the Spoon River has several hummingbird feeders and guarantees a close encounter of the Ruby-throated kind!


WOOD DUCK by CD Patterson


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