8 Peaceful Places To Get A Good Walk And Go Bird Watching In Illinois
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published May 12, 2020
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
If you enjoy birding, these eight peaceful places across the state will give you the best chances of seeing some of the most amazing birds the Land of Lincoln has to offer. From eagles to hummingbirds to ducks to cardinals, Illinois is home to a wide array of birds.
While you’re at it, stretch the legs and get in a good walk. Nature lovers adore these bird watching hot spots for the views and more. Check them out:
Owls, White-winged and Red Crossbills, Eastern Bluebirds, Hooded Warblers, and many other birds make their home at this astounding place that is home to more tree species than anywhere else in the state. Some guests search for hours looking for certain birds, and they get a good walk on the way.
More than 180 species of birds use this area throughout the year, 100 of which breed at the state park. Waterfowl use it for migration. Chances are, you might see pelicans, hawks, eagles, warblers, herons, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and much more.
Home to 225 bird species, this popular state park's most recognized bird species is the eagle. Though few Illinoisans know that this beautiful bird comes to roost here each year, those who have seen it try to get a glimpse of one each year.
Gulls, geese, woodpeckers, cardinals, robins, sparrows, wrens, goldfinches, and many other birds grace this excellent state park right on Lake Michigan. Any bird lover will be pleased by the wildlife found here.
Waterfowl such as ducks and gulls as well as cuckoos, orioles, sparrows, warblers, and more call the area around this lake home. It is a beautiful area that is ideal for walking, fishing, and more.
Of the 900 plant, animal, and insect species that have been spotted at this neat place, at least 100 of them are bird species. Guests will find Mourning Doves, Killdeer, Mallards, Great Blue Herons, American Coots, Sandhill Cranes, and much more.
Hundreds of thousands of waterfowl make this place their paradise. Birding can be enjoyed for hours if you enjoy Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Little Blue Herons, American White Pelicans, Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpipers, Greater Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Plovers, Black-bellied Plovers, and more.
Where else do you like to go birding in Illinois? Share your favorite places with us below in the comments.
