Emiquon Lakeside Observatory, Emiquon Nature Preserve - Lewiston, IL
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NorStar
N 40° 21.190 W 090° 05.110
15T E 747540 N 4471035
The Nature Conservancy's Emiquon Lakeside Observatory has two observing areas to see birds in the newly restored wetland lake.
Waymark Code: WMWM7Y
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 09/17/2017
Views: 4
Near Lewiston, along Illinois Route 78 is the Emiquon Lakeside Observatory, which is an excellent location to observe birds.
Emiquon Nature Preserve is located on the north side of the Illinois River, off Illinois Route 78. It is a few miles south of US 24.
The sign is on the south side of the road and says, "Emiquon Lakeside Observatory" and "The Nature Conservancy" below that.
As you drive by the sign, look ahead and to the right for a large shelter/kiosk. This station has a lot about the location and the efforts by The Nature Conservancy to restore wetlands on land that was temporarily drained for farming. There are other signs here and elsewhere about how important this area is for birds as it is in line with migration routes.
From the shelter/kiosk, there are two places that provide excellent viewing points for birds. Right from the shelter is a pier that extends into the lake. A little more distance north and along a causeway, there is a raised observing platform where you have a good view further out. Each of these locations include designs that have cutout bird forms and the names of these birds - including ones for Killdeer, American White Pelican, Hooded Merganser, Red Tailed Hawk, and Loggerhead Shrike.
While we were there I identified Killdeer, American White Pelicans, andEastern Kingfisher.
Surrounding The Nature Conservancy's property are two U.S. National Wildlife Refuges, so there are many acres of protected natural areas for birds.
Park Name: Emiquon Lakeside Observatory, Emiquon Nature Preserve
Sponsoring Organization: The Nature Conservancy
Handicap Accessible?: Yes
Website: [Web Link]
Entrance Fee: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
List any Hides, Birding Towers, or other structures to assist in Birdwatching found at the location:
A pier that extends into the lake.
A raised observing platform.
Parking Coordinates: Not Listed
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