The Binocular Site
Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge. Illinois
Not far from Havana, Illinois, the Chautauqua refuge rests. It serves as a stopping point along the Mississippi flyway, as migrating birds rest and feed during their journey.
It is estimated that up to 250000 waterfowl and an additional 10000 shorebirds stop here, and over 150 bald eagles nest in the refuge as well. Upland and forest, marshes and wedge, each contribute to the diverse mosaic of habitats here along the river.
About 264 species of birds have been identified, including five on the Federal Threatened and Endangered Species list, and 80 on the State Threatened and Endangered Species list. Swans, geese, and ducks are here in a wide range of species, along with pelicans, turkeys, pheasants, vultures, cranes, plovers, doves, and cuckoos.
The area was originally a lake that was drained in the 1920’s to be used for farmland. The remaining backwaters that surrounded the drained area were overcome with river silt, and the resident waterfowl and wildlife were smothered. Now programs continue to protect the Chautauqua area, with water and bottomlands carefully monitored and slowly rebuilt to offer a rich refuge, breeding, and nesting ground for wildlife.
These days the lake holds 3200 acres of water once again, with an added 800 acres of timbered bottomland and other water bodies surrounding it.
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 Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge. To learn more about this refuge please visit this website.
If you've visited Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, 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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