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 | Jan 15, 2024 | Along the Mississippi River (mostly Carroll County), Birding Sites, Fall Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds, Nesting Species, Spring Migrating Songbirds, Spring Migrating Waterfowl/Waterbirds, Winter Varieties
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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by NIAS | Jan 15, 2024 | Along the Mississippi River (mostly Carroll County), Fall Migrating Songbirds, Nesting Species, Spring Migrating Songbirds, Winter Varieties
Lost Mound Unit – Upper Mississippi National Wildlife & Fish Refuge
Sand savanna and sand prairie over which some development from the former Savanna Army Depot is still evident. Wooded high banks along the Mississippi. Entrance off of HWY 84 at Blackhawk Rd. about 7 miles north of Savanna. Follow entrance Rd. until it T’s then go right past refuge office. Drive slowly on the different criss-crossing roads for looks at grassland birds, some unusual such as Northern Mockingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Blue Grosbeak, Yellow-breasted Chat, Western Meadowlark and various sparrows. Whip-poor-wills can be heard off of road that borders river going north from refuge office. This road ends in parking area with river lookout, good for Bald Eagles in winter, with an occasional Golden Eagle. No walking trails, road travel only. Vast majority of refuge closed to private road travel. Bird tours sponsored by refuge have access to closed area. Call (915) 273-2732 for information on tours.
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)
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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