The Binocular Site
Shawnee National Forest, Illinois
In southern Illinois, the Shawnee National Forest consists of about 1100 square kilometers of federally handled lands.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially declared that the first parts purchased in 1939 would be recognized as this national forest, and at that point, most was exhausted farmland. Still, trees were planted and conservation efforts grew to re-develop the rich habitats once found here.
These days trails abound and rich ecosystems make up this beautiful birdwatching spot, and over 237 bird species have been identified. Here the state bird – the Northern Cardinal - can be found, along with wood warblers migrating in spring, and Eurasian tree sparrows as well. Look for swallows, larks, nutcrackers, vireos, chickadees, starlings, and many more.
The Garden of the Gods is found within the Shawnee National Forest, and was formed millions of years ago by an open shallow sea and great ice sheets that left geological impressions. The garden area includes two trails through spectacular scenery that is over 320 million years old. 3300 acres of old growth forest and sediment rock piles tower 4 miles high, with fractured bedrocks and formations that inspire the imagination.
The views are simply epic, and guides are available for horseback riding along the trails. See the Shawnee National Forest website for more information.
The state bird of Illinois is the Northern Cardinal and you can find a birding checklist for Illinois here.
Photo credit to joelplutchak, used with permission under the creative commons license.
If you've visited Shawnee National Forest, 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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