Chautauqua * star
Emiquon **** stars
Went back to see Chautauqua on Thursday. Day was overcast and dreary. It felt like dusk even at 3 PM. I know best time to see water birds are usually early AM or dusk, but was hoping with the dreary weather might get lucky. Saw absolutely nothing at Chautauqua. Only 3 small platforms to look out from and the 'trail' was probably less than 1/4 mile (mostly a woods walk).
Then on to Emiquon again. Like this reserve much better. Very open with places to park. Two launches (1 for boats - 1 for kayaks). Can walk a long way by the shoreline or wander out to some looking platforms with telescopes. Because it was so dreary and dark, didn't really know what I was seeing until I got home & lightened up the pictures as best as I could. Saw lots of coots, a few Canada geese and one that I have no idea what it is. Checked Cornell site, WhatBird.com & Sibley Birds book. So if anyone has an guess, I'd be curious to know. Can't really tell the color, but maybe by the markings? I thought something in the teal family, but what do I know about birds. (not much
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I did a journal post if interested.
http://irishiroamiwrite.blogspot.com/2014/10/sand-ridge-forest-chautauqua-emiquon.html
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Too late for MC and too early for the campfire (and way too muggy too), but did a day trip yesterday. Thought I'd pass along for the birders and history buffs. If anyone is passing thru Illinois in October, Emiquon & Chautauqua are great for birding.
I may head back that way during my October vacation trek so if passing thru on your way south for the winter, let me know.
http://www.fws.gov/refuge/emiquon/
http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Chautauqua/
http://www.museum.state.il.us/ismsites/dickson/
, didn't realize posting an update didn't change the date (makes sense now that I think about it). Posted this so you didn't have to hunt around to figure out what post I changed.