Starved Rock State Park and the surrounding state parks are home to many feathered friends including the Bald Eagle.
 The annual Eagle Watch Weekend at Starved Rock State Park in La Salle County is in January. Eagle viewing and birds of prey shows at planned at the Starved Rock Lodge from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. For more information, phone 815/667-4906. The weekend also includes programs at the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center across the river from Starved Rock.
The center is a good place to view eagles near the Starved Rock Dam and in the trees on Leopold and Plum Islands. For more information, call the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center at 815/667-4054.
Below is information our Illinois Birds and the great outdoor activity of birding.
Birds that have similar characteristics are placed together in a category known as a "family." The major families of birds common to Illinois are listed below in order from the least to most advanced.
heron, bittern
These large, fish-eating birds wade rather than swim.
 duck, goose, swan
These birds are common to wet areas and usually have webbed feet. Their eggs are not spotted.
hawk, eagle
Hawks and eagles are diurnal (day) birds of prey. More information.
pheasant, turkey
Birds in this family have relatively short, rounded wings, are more apt to walk than fly and are year-round residents.
owl
Most owls are nocturnal (night) birds of prey. Their feathers are modified to allow them to fly quietly, and their eyes are adapted for ability to judge distances. More information.
pigeon
Birds in this family have a plump body, small head and small beak. Pigeons are known for their homing ability.
cuckoo
Cuckoos have short legs with two toes forward and two back. Their bill is heavy and curved.
 nighthawk
Having a weak bill and a large mouth, nighthawks feed at night by sweeping insects out of the air as they fly.
hummingbird
Birds in this family are small and have a long, thin bill. They can hover when feeding.
kingfisher
The kingfisher has a large head and bill. It feeds by diving into water to catch fishes.
 woodpecker
These birds drill into trees searching for insects. They have two toes pointing forward and two backward.
flycatcher
These birds perch upright while waiting for insects, which they catch in flight. Their flat bill has bristles at the base.
For a complete Illinois bird list, download the Illinois Birds PDF guide from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Why is birding a hobby or career that interests millions of people? Some enjoy the challenge of locating and identifying birds and seeing new places. Others see their birding time as a form of exercise and an opportunity to be outdoors. No matter what the reason, birding is a fun sport that can be done yearround anywhere. It costs little and getting started is very easy!
 Your senses of sight and hearing are extremely important tools in birding. Observe the bird. The five basic characteristics used to visually identify birds are shape and posture, plumage and color, behavior, habitat preference and voice. Listen to its call or song.
Spend time outdoors watching birds. Learn to move quietly and slowly. Wear comfortable shoes. Take a field guide, sketch book, pencil and binoculars.
Birds can be found almost anywhere. Look in parks, forest preserves, your back yard, school yard and around a pond or wetland. The best times to look for birds are in the morning or early evening during their feeding times when they are most active.
You may want to attract birds to your yard so that you can observe them for long periods of time. Feeding and watering stations placed near your house will attract a variety of birds. Remember to offer a variety of feed to attract seed-eaters. Provide suet in the winter to attract meat-eaters. Keep a daily record of the birds seen at your feeder.
Many careers are available to people interested in birds. Ornithologists are people who study birds. Biologists and naturalists study the connections between birds, their environment and people. They help people understand and learn to identify birds. Birds are the subject for many famous artists and nature writers.
For additional information on birding, download the Illinois Birds PDF guide from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
|
