by NIAS | Jan 15, 2024 | Birding Sites, Fall Migrating Shorebirds, Fall Migrating Songbirds, Fall Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds, Nesting Species, Spring Migrating Shorebirds, Spring Migrating Songbirds, Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds, Stephenson County
Espenscheid Forest Preserve
Owned by Jane Addamsland Park Foundation; located at 8500 E Farm School Rd; parking lot is small fenced in grass area; trail starts at information sign; area contains a variety of habitat types including oak savanna and riparian; a good variety of summer nesting, as well as spring and fall migrant passerines can be seen here; waterfowl can also be observed along the creek that runs through the area; also a very scenic location.
Birds Found at this Site:
Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds (Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds)
Spring Migrating Shorebirds (Mid-April through Mid-May)
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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by NIAS | Jan 15, 2024 | Birding Sites, Fall Migrating Songbirds, Nesting Species, Spring Migrating Songbirds, Stephenson County
Evangeline Forest
Owned by, and located adjacent to, village of Davis; parking at 212 W McKimmy St (Faith Community Church); walking trail starts on south end of large parking lot at kiosk; area is former farm field which is being encouraged to return to a natural state; watch for spring and fall migrant passerines as well as summer nesting passerines.
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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by NIAS | Jan 15, 2024 | Birding Sites, Nesting Species, Spring Migrating Songbirds, Stephenson County
Oakdale Preserve
Dense woods, open woods and two areas of recreated prairie, with Crane’s Creek flowing through wooded areas. This Freeport Park District property is 3 miles south of Freeport off of Baileyville Rd. onto Crane’s Grove Rd. Don’t park in main lot (entrance) but continue on Crane’s Grove Rd. to the parking area on your right (Newell Tract). Best in early May for songbirds. Also a good spot for woodpeckers.
Birds Found at this Site:
Spring Migrating Songbirds (April and May)
Nesting Species (May through Mid-July)
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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by NIAS | Jan 15, 2024 | Birding Sites, Nesting Species, Spring Migrating Songbirds, Stephenson County
Krape Park
Wooded park through which Yellow Creek flows, including dam creating wider creek above. This Freeport Park District property is on the southwest side of Freeport, on Park Blvd, south of Empire St. Best birding along Yellow Creek downstream from dam. Can be very good warbler area in early May. Often site for Eastern Bluebirds and American Robins in winter with open water below dam and berries on various trees and shrubs.
Birds Found at this Site:
Spring Migrating Songbirds (April and May)
Nesting Species (May through Mid-July)
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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by NIAS | Jan 15, 2024 | Birding Sites, Nesting Species, Spring Migrating Songbirds, Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds, Stephenson County
Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park
North of Lena off Lake Rd. Man-made lake with woods/open woods/ pine plantings surrounding it. Best birding areas are below dam on east end and lake inlet/picnic area on west end. Have seen Common Loons, Osprey, a few shorebirds on swimming beach, songbirds such as Scarlet Tanager, many warblers, etc. Numerous parking areas.
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)
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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by NIAS | Jan 15, 2024 | Birding Sites, Spring Migrating Shorebirds, Spring Migrating Songbirds, Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds, Stephenson County
Blair Road
Wetlands on both sides of road even into roadside ditches. About 7 miles east of Freeport on HWY 20, turn north on Farwell Bridge Rd. At about 3 miles turn east on Blair Rd. (west of this intersection road is called Maize Rd.). Immediately begin driving slowly. Reliable site for Wilson’s Snipe during first two weeks of April if water levels are good. Great close-up looks using vehicle as blind, sometimes other shorebirds. Continue on Blair for 3 miles until you reach Pecatonica Rd. Along the way are various wetlands and woodlands that you can bird from the road (most private property).
Birds Found at this Site:
Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds (Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds)
Spring Migrating Shorebirds (Mid-April through Mid-May)
Spring Migrating Songbirds (April and May)
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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