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Bird Watching
Pere Marquette State Park |
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Approximately 230 species of birds have been identified within, at the
boundaries or flying over Pere Marquette State Park in the past 20 years.
Popular locations for bird watching are Stump Lake, in the river bottoms,
McAdams Peak and other overlooks along the scenic drive through the park. The nearby area offers other
opportunities. The Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge
and the state operated Mississippi
River State Fish & Wildlife Area are just a short drive away. A
little farther is the Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area
operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Park is well known as one
of the best spots to look for American Bald Eagles in the winter. The
Park presents informative programs about these magnificent creatures
during the months of late December, January, and February.
The Park is also known for its owl population and
presents a series of owl programs in the fall. |
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Pere Marquette State Park is listed on the National Audubon Society's
Great
River Birding Trail. They suggest that birders start at the Visitors
Center and hike the Ravine Trail, which is excellent
birding for migrating warblers, as well as Louisiana Waterthrushes, Ovenbirds,
and Northern Parulas. Driving in about a half a mile on the main park road there
is an overlook for Swan Lake, where you may see the American
White Pelicans in spring and fall migration. Excellent birding can also be
found on Graham Hollow Road, accessible via the park by driving about 2 miles in
on the main park road, or by driving north on IL-100, about 2.6 miles past the
town of Grafton.Over 50 species of birds are known to nest in the area.
Excellent for flycatchers and warblers. In March watch for the return of Eastern
Phoebes and Louisiana Waterthrushes. Listen and watch for breeding songbirds
such as Ovenbirds, Summer Tanagers, White-eyed and Red-eyed Vireos. The following lists have been
compiled of abundant or commonly seen birds for each of the four seasons:
Spring
Bird Watching
Summer
Bird Watching
Fall
Bird Watching
Winter
Bird Watching
The Complete
Checklist can be obtained at the Park's Visitor Center.
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