Nachusa Grasslands

Nachusa Grasslands

Nachusa Grasslands
Very large grassland area with remnant prairies and plantings – some open woodland and wetlands. East of Oregon take Daysville Rd. south about 1 mile then veer right onto Lowden Rd. and drive about 5 miles. Main entrance on right just south of Stone Barn Rd. This Nature Conservancy property has an abundance of grassland birds. Trail maps at site.

Birds Found at this Site:
Spring Migrating Songbirds (April and May)
Nesting Species (May through Mid-July)
Fall Migrating Songbirds (Late August through early November)

Year-round resident species will be found at nearly every location. Visit Audubon.org to learn about the specific species of birds listed in each area.

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Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve

Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve

Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve
A property owned by Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation ( www.jdcf.org ) This site has prairie re-creations and open woodlands. It sits on a bluff of the Mississippi River. Good birding for spring migrants, nesting Bluebirds, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Baltimore Orioles. A trail system goes through the site to give views of various habitats. A good spot for seeing Bald Eagles, American White Pelicans soaring along the bluffs and river. Can also see migrating hawks during fall migration. Three miles south of Galena on Pilot Knob Rd. Parking lot at site.

Birds Found at this Site:
Spring Migrating Songbirds (April and May)
Nesting Species (May through Mid-July)
Fall Migrating Songbirds (Late August through early November)

Year-round resident species will be found at nearly every location. Visit Audubon.org to learn about the specific species of birds listed in each area.

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Apple River State Park

Apple River State Park

Apple River State Park
This state-owned park surrounds the Apple River, having woodland, riparian, and open picnic areas. Trails go through various parts of the park and offer viewings of woodland birds. Nice spot for spring migrants and wildflowers. This park is about 7 miles northwest of Stockton on Canyon Park Rd. There are two parking lots, with hiking trails by each.

Birds Found at this Site:
Spring Migrating Songbirds (April and May)
Nesting Species (May through Mid-July)
Fall Migrating Songbirds (Late August through early November)

Year-round resident species will be found at nearly every location. Visit Audubon.org to learn about the specific species of birds listed in each area.

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Galena Biking/Walking Trail

Galena Biking/Walking Trail

Galena Biking/Walking Trail
This is an old railroad bed that has brushy woods on both sides and is next to the Galena River. A spot especially nice for spring migrants. Park in the Galena city lot on the east side of the Galena River on Bouthillier St. The trail goes both north which ends up at Bueller Reserve owned by the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation, which is a recreated wet prairie along the Galena River and offers a decent birding experiences. The north trail is also fun for listening to frog calls in spring. The trail to the south of the parking lot offers more brushy cover and is nice for spring migrants.

Birds Found at this Site:
Spring Migrating Songbirds (April and May)
Nesting Species (May through Mid-July)
Fall Migrating Songbirds (Late August through early November)

Year-round resident species will be found at nearly every location. Visit Audubon.org to learn about the specific species of birds listed in each area.

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Lock and Dam #13

Lock and Dam #13

Lock and Dam #13
Site contains mostly Pool 13 at its widest, some bottomland forest and below dam, the Mississippi River. Army Corps of Engineers property about three miles south of Thomson off of HWY 84 onto Lock Rd. Stop in parking areas along Lock Rd. to view birds on Pool 13. Parking areas both north and south of dam give good river views. Excellent waterfowl diversity and nesting Bald eagles. Songbirds in bottomland forest by parking area below dam. Belted Kingfishers, Prothonotary Warbler, Horned Grebe, many swallow species. Large numbers of wintering Bald eagles, often hundreds.

Birds Found at this Site:
Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds (Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds)
Spring Migrating Songbirds (April and May)
Nesting Species (May through Mid-July)
Fall Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds (September through November)
Winter Varieties (December through February)

Year-round resident species will be found at nearly every location. Visit Audubon.org to learn about the specific species of birds listed in each area.

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Thomson Causeway

Thomson Causeway

Thomson Causeway
Bottomland forest interspersed with diked ponds, also borders Pool 13 of Mississippi River. To reach this Army Corps of Engineers Recreation Area, drive west out of Thomson about 1 mile, entrance on left. Access habitat from roads and a few trails, with two campground areas that are more open. Can view waterbirds in ponds and Pool 13. Depending upon water levels, shorebirds can be good on pond edges. Usually see Red-headed Woodpecker, Sandhill Cranes, American White Pelicans, warblers, Baltimore orioles and much more.

Birds Found at this Site:
Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds (Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds)
Spring Migrating Songbirds (April and May)
Nesting Species (May through Mid-July)
Fall Migrating Songbirds (Late August through early November)
Fall Migrating Shorebirds (Mid-July through August)
Fall Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds (September through November)

Year-round resident species will be found at nearly every location. Visit Audubon.org to learn about the specific species of birds listed in each area.

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