by NIAS | Jan 15, 2024 | Birding Sites, Nesting Species, Spring Migrating Songbirds, Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds, Stephenson County
Jane Addams Trail – Duck’s Misery
Backwaters/wetlands/ponds (some recreated) near where Richland Creek empties into the Pecatonica River. Trail walking gives views to the west; road walking gives views to the south. Access trail from Winneshiek Rd. going west from HWY 26 about 2 miles north of Freeport. Songbirds on trail edges and in woods to the south. Reliable site for Sandhill Cranes (nests have been seen from the trail). NOTE ON JANE ADDAMS TRAIL: Above sites most diverse, but birds can be found entire length of trail, especially migrating songbirds.
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 | Nesting Species, Spring Migrating Shorebirds, Spring Migrating Songbirds, Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds, Stephenson County
Jane Addams Trail – Orangeville Wetlands
The trail is an abandoned railroad right of way, so typical brushy/some woods edges with trail bordering intermittent small wetlands of Richland Creek which parallels trail. Larger “Orangeville Wetland” is a mitigation re-creation by the IDOT. Access from trailhead in Orangeville just east of BP gas station. Walk south to wetland areas – be sure to cross HWY 26 to smaller often more productive wetlands. Depending on water levels, variety of shorebirds can be present. Virginia Rail, Barred Owl, Sandhill Cranes also have been sighted there.
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)
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, Stephenson County, Winter Varieties
Montague & Prairie Dell Rds.
Former prairie lands that have long been converted to row crops. About six miles south of Freeport turn west on to each of these roads (they run parallel) and drive slowly scanning fields and road shoulders. Great place for open land winter birds such as Snow Buntings, Lapland Longspurs, etc. when snow is present. Private land – stay on roads.
Birds Found at this Site:
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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by NIAS | Dec 21, 2023 | Birding Sites, Spring Migrating Shorebirds, Stephenson County
Pearl City Sewage Ponds
Surprisingly good place for shorebirds, especially on rock edges on south pond. Ponds adjacent to village park on northeast side of town. Stay on park side of fence to avoid spooking birds. Occasional waterfowl.
Birds Found at this Site:
Spring Migrating Shorebirds (Mid-April through Mid-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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by NIAS | Dec 21, 2023 | Birding Sites, Fall Migrating Shorebirds, Fall Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds, Spring Migrating Shorebirds, Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds, Stephenson County
Ridott Wetlands
Farmed wetlands – a series of ponds and mud flats, on both sides of Rock City Rd. just north of Ridott. Private property – stay on roadside, but pull off sufficiently (busy road). Depending on water levels, good for water birds and shorebirds. Both American White Pelicans and Whooping Cranes have been sighted here.
Birds Found at this Site:
Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds (Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds)
Spring Migrating Shorebirds (Mid-April through Mid-May)
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 | Dec 21, 2023 | Birding Sites, Fall Migrating Shorebirds, Fall Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds, Spring Migrating Shorebirds, Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds, Stephenson County
Nieman’s Pond
A recreated pond, wetland and sometimes mud flats, east of Freeport off of HWY 20 on North Springfield Rd. Private property – stay on roadside. Bird presence much dependent upon water levels. Nesting Bald Eagle in trees along the Pecatonica River north of pond – visible from road.
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Birds Found at this Site:
Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds (Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds)
Spring Migrating Shorebirds (Mid-April through Mid-May)
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.
<< BACK TO BIRDING SITES
