Top Spots

When it comes to wildlife viewing, these southern Illinois sites are among the best in the state.

BY BURKE SPEAKER

There's nothing like a little southern hospitality, and you'll be sure to find it at these premier wildlife viewing areas in lower central and southern Illinois. In fact, you'll be welcomed with open arms and loads of wildlife. Just be sure to return the favor by respecting the areas and the wildlife while on your trek.

Last month we provided you with some of the top wildlife viewing locations in the northern part of the state, so this month it's time to explore the south. Gather up the family and head out to these great wildlife viewing sites, southern style.

1. Fox Ridge State Park

If you're walking in the early morning or late evenings through any one of the 10 miles of trails that meander through this park, remain alert for white-tailed deer, wild turkey and the namesake red fox that are best sighted in the spring and fall months. Listen for the drumming of the pileated woodpecker-the fire-feathered bird being a rare sight in Illinois. In the late evenings, you may even hear the bellowing hoot of a great-horned owl. One of the best viewing areas for wildlife in the park is along the 2-mile stretch of road going toward North Canoe Access. The road is ideal for those who are unable to hike the trails, yet want to survey wildlife from a vehicle. Ducks, geese, great blue herons and American egrets eagerly display their grace to those willing to watch. Also, red-tailed hawks, blue jays and the redheaded woodpecker are common sights. To the observant and stealthy visitor, river otter sightings are quite possible by walking down to the waterfront in the morning when the park opens. Another great viewing spot for these animals is Riverview Trail, which runs adjacent to the river.

In winter months, many of the forest mammals are seen silently ghosting their way through the dark woods. Located 8 miles south of Charleston, the site entices many visitors with its wildlife and natural beauty.

"Because we have a mature forest, it's not only a nice place to see wildlife, but it's also a nice place to be," said site superintendent Glenn Lyons.

Contact the park at (217) 345-6416.

2. Wolf Creek State Park

At this site known for its

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vast population of our state animal, the white-tailed deer, it is not uncommon for visitors to slowly cruise the park to admire these graceful creatures. Wolf Creek renders deer watchers awe-stricken after they drive through the park and lose count of the number of deer grazing or dashing through the picnic areas.

"We just have an abundance of deer," said site technician Dale Wines. "In June, you can watch the fawns feeding with their moms, and it's a pleasant sight."

Additionally, a walk along one of the seven hiking trails could yield the discovery of a Baltimore oriole, cardinal or turtle dove, as well as the regular variety of Illinois birds. Wines said sightings are more likely in summer months. A 15-mile equestrian trail provides visitors an opportunity to gaze upon wildlife while horseback riding through this lush park. Turkey, rabbits, opossums and raccoons, as well as numerous butterflies, are seen around the area. And

along the waters' edge, you can see bald eagles soaring through the sky or perched ———in a barren tree in in the winter and early spring. The park is located northwest of Matoon.

Contact the park at (217) 459-2831.

3. Pere Marquette State Park

From the tiny tiger salamander to the majestic bald eagle, this southwestern Illinois park abounds with

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wildlife. It is known throughout the state for its bald eagle sightings along the Illinois River or at McAdams Peak from December through February. Other birds— especially ducks and geese—converge on this area during migration. White pelicans are another park favorite that can be viewed all day long in the spring and fall near the marina area. Pileated woodpeckers are a favorite and are found in the park's wooded areas during the spring months.

Also in the forested areas, watch

for deer, fox, squirrel, coyote and wild turkey. In the wetlands, you'll likely encounter Woodhouse's toad, the green and gray treefrog and perhaps a bullfrog or two.

"It's such a diverse park," said site interpreter Scott Isringhausen, referring to the wetland, prairie and the oak/hickory forest that constitutes the park. "You really never know what you're going to see."

Pere Marquette is located along Route 100, about 20 miles west of Alton. Contact the park at (618) 786-3323.

4. Sanganois Fish and Wildlife Area

Once operated as a private duck club, the Sanganois Fish and Wildlife Area has 18.5 miles of levee roads for walking and more than 10,000 acres of bottomland forest and wetlands for viewing waterfowl during most of the year (especially during November and December). Add to that an extensive amount of shorebirds— about any kind imaginable—and bald eagle viewing from October through March. The bottomland area is composed of sloughs, backwater lakes and timbered ponds

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that are home to creatures like the soft-shelled turtle. But waterfowl such as the Canada goose, wood duck, mallard and canvasback dominate the site and are widely viewed in July, August and September.

"It's a vast area of bottomland," said site superintendent Dan Cowen. "The area is mainly known as a waterfowl area so we've got all sorts of those species here."

There's also a chance to view the elusive river otter, which is usually seen in the early summer mornings or evenings on Crane or Chain lakes. On the other hand, white pelican are easy to see on both of these lakes in the mid-morning from October through November. Another interesting locale here is the heron rookery, stocked with 750 to 1,000 nests. To get to this area, you'll need specific directions.

Sanganois is located about 7 miles north of Beardstown where the Sangamon enters the Illinois River. Contact the site at (309) 546-2628.

5. Carlyle Lake Wildlife Management Area

"As far as viewing wildlife, Carlyle is a well-kept secret," said site superintendent Bob Hammel of this 9,500-acre wildlife sanctuary.

Located on the north end of Carlyle Lake, the site has a magnitude of wildlife viewing in its 2,000 acres of woodland, 5,800 acres of open water and wetland, 200 acres of grassland and 1,500 acres of cropland. The cardinal, Illinois' state bird, is abundant and can be heard at any time of the year. In addition to deer, raccoon, wild turkey, squirrel, rabbits and quail, the lakeland area is home to numerous waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds. Great blue heron, the green heron and the common egret can be seen April through September in the Wetland Education Area. A great place for birding is the viewing tower at Parking Area 1, which overlooks fields that are flooded to encourage migrating waterfowl to rest there.

During spring migration, mallards, wood ducks, Canada and snow geese and egrets are always abundant. A pair of bald eagle have a nest along the lake. Mink, muskrat and beaver usually are busily toiling away with their daily plans along the shoreline. Also, white pelicans and trumpeter swans appear from December through February.

Contact the site at (618) 425-3533.

Nine Top Viewing Sites

6. Cache River Valley

This southern Illinois swampland provides resting, feeding and nesting habitat for many types of bottomland wildlife, including the elusive bobcat and river otter. During spring and fall migration, more than 200 types of birds are found in the river bottoms, sloughs and adjacent areas. The common loon, great blue herons, green herons, egrets, warblers and other bird species flock here in great numbers. Spring and fall are both good seasons for watching them.

Canoeing along the Cache River provides a perfect opportunity to view wildlife in this lustrous habitat. Listen for the chorus of the green treefrog and the bird-voiced treefrog, which are among the 19 frog species found here. Anytime from March to September is ideal to listen to their symphony. On the mammal side, red fox, mink, swamp and cottontail rabbits

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can be viewed throughout the site. At nights watch the Indiana and little brown bat dodging through the swamps, feasting on insects. Reptiles like the eastern box turtle and cottonmouth meander around the site as well.

The site, which is the largest dedicated nature preserve in Illinois, includes the luscious 2.5-mile lower Cache River Swamp Trail and 22 miles of designated foot trails. One of the best sights for swamp wildlife is the floating boardwalk at Heron Pond. From any of the trails there's bound to be an abundance of wildlife, but you need to be patient and keep your eyes peeled.

"This is a true southern swamp," said site superintendent Jim Waycuilis. "The diversity of mammals, birds and amphibians make this a really unique place for Illinois."

Contact the site at (618) 634-9678.

7. Mermet Lake Conservation Area

There are bountiful chances to glimpse ducks, blue- and green-winged teal, geese and a hit-or-miss sight of swans in the spring from any place in this 2,680-acre wonderland south of Vienna. Endangered and seldom-seen species such as purple gallinule, least bittern and moorhen nest in this southern area. The gravel road around the lake makes this qualify as a good site for individuals with limited mobility to view reptiles, waterfowl and shorebirds. From March through September, songbirds, amphibians and butterflies are a sure sight.

An unusual aspect to the area is the combination of upland and southern-style swamp forests. Oak, hickory, bald cypress, pin oak and swamp cottonwood trees grow in the preserve. Managers seasonally flood areas around the lake to attract some Canada, blue and snow geese each winter, but the most dominant waterfowl are the ducks, including merganser, black ducks, and the mallard. In fact, many Audubon groups conduct spring and winter bird counts here, always making note of the gallant osprey. Also, remember to spend some time checking out the different types of turtles, such as the eastern box and soft-shell, that sun themselves during the day.

"Those people who do come down here—with all the different wildlife, waterfowl and forested areas—can see unique flora and fauna that usually are not seen in our state," said site ranger Marion Denson.

Contact the site at (618) 524-5577.

8. Horseshoe Lake Conservation Area

On the outskirts of the Shawnee National Forest in Alexander County lies a wildlife viewing area that hosts a wide range of seasonal splendors.

For wintertime viewing, most notably December and January, Canada geese, snow geese and blue geese reside throughout the area. You can catch a glimpse of the bald eagle during the year, but best oportunities are in winter months. About 150,000 Canada geese are said to winter at the site. Ducks such as mallards, gadwalls, blacks and pintails are abundant November through January, and red-tailed hawks are sighted yearly.

Springtime yields a great bounty of migratory waterfowl.

In the summer, dozens of songbirds siege the location. And while there are no observation stands, any place along the road or shoreline is a prime viewing location in this 9,550-acre site north of Cairo.

Along with deer, fox and squirrel, the great horned and barred owls are sometimes sighted. In the wintertime, reduced cover allows coyotes to be seen in the early morning or late evenings. The bountiful landscape here is a natural wonder. Bald cypress trees shoot up from the lake, and you can listen to bird songs anywhere in the swampy bottomlands.

"The scenery here is well worth the trip," said site superintendent Russell Garrison. "What wildlife you see is an added attraction."

Contact the site at (618) 776-5689.

More great viewing sites

The Illinois Wildlife and Nature Viewing Guide is a helpful tool when searching out natural inhabitants of the various sites and parks. (All of the sites listed in this story, with the exception of Fox Ridge State Park, are featured in the guide.) The 142-page guide is available for $8.95 by calling 1-800-720-3249. Outside Illinois, call (217) 782-1687.

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9. LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area

This site is situated at the base of a 100-foot limestone bluff. Although the rare bobcat resides here, it tends to remain hidden from wildlife watchers. Still, there are plenty of other creatures to check out, such as deer, squirrel and chipmunk. While the two small, furry critters are sighted most often in spring and summer, deer can be seen almost anytime. Another year-round resident is the grotesquely magnificent turkey vulture. Watch for the cottonmouths, green water snakes and mud snakes during hot, summer months. The gravel road at the base of the bluff is even closed for spring and fall migrations of reptiles and amphibians. The most notable feature of the area is Inspiration Point, a renowned viewing area and a jewel of southern Illinois. Feast your eyes on the far-reaching landscape, while watching the skies for red-shouldered hawks and turkey vultures. With 150 different bird species, such as American coots, grebes, great blue herons (year- round),

birders will definitely be content here. Other critters include the Eastern woodrat, eastern chipmunk and fence lizard.

"Any day of the year when you visit LaRue Pine Hills, you'll see beautiful, spectacular views and landscapes," said forest interpreter Sue Hirsch. "And, of course, plenty of wildlife." Contact the site at (618) 833-8576.

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