The Binocular Site
Horseshoe Lake Conservation Area, Illinois
Over 250,000 Canada geese winter in Horseshoe Lake Conservation Area, and bald eagles are abundant as well.
Here in Illinois we find one of the most significant links to the past bird species. And no wonder – in July and August a portion of the lake is drained and millet is spread by a pilot flying overhead.
Here camping, fishing, boating, hiking, and hunting, are just as popular as birding. The lake itself is 2400 acres, and rich with bluegills, largemouth bass, sunfish, crapple, and channel catfish.
Mudflats attract snowy egrets, blue herons, and other water and shore birds, and the waters are rich with clams, snails, and other small aquatic life, which attract birds in their turn as well. The snowy egrets, with their small size and active nature, are particularly notable. Identified by their black legs and yellow feet, the egrets have a wingspan of less than 40 inches and a weight of just over 13 oz.
Also look for trumpeter swans, Swainson’s warblers, American swallow-tailed kites, great blue herons, and green herons. On Walker Island, a self-guided trail takes you along five different birding habitats.
The state bird of Illinois is the Northern Cardinal and you can find a birding checklist for Illinois here.
The photo above was taken at Horseshoe Lake Conservation Area. For more information visit on this park vist the Horseshoe Lake Conservation Area website.
If you've visited Horseshoe Lake Conservation Area, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this Illinois birding location below.
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