LaRue Pine Hills
On Rt. 3, turn east at Wolf Lake and drive 6 miles
to a gravel road (look for sign to Pine Hills) turn N. onto Pine Hills Rd.
This well renowned ecological site has numerous upland
forest birds: thrushes, Scarlet Tanagers, Worm-eating Warblers, Kentucky
Warblers and Red-eyed Vireos. Other notable birds include great blue heron,
great egret, bald eagle, red-shouldered hawk and Mississippi kite. Information: Shawnee National Forest 800-699-6637
Trail of Tears State Forest
Trail of Tears State Forest is located in west
central Union County between Rts. 3, 146 and 127. The State Forest Road
intersects Rt. 3 at Wolf Lake.
This forest is an excellent place to visit during
spring migration, when warblers, vireos, thrushes and tanagers are common. This
state forest may have the highest concentration of breeding Worm-eating
Warblers. Hooded Warblers and Ovenbirds are also here. Check the Pines along
the main blacktop road for Pine Warblers, Red-breasted Nuthatches and white-winged
Crossbills. Information: 618-833-4910
Atwood Ridge
From Rt. 3 at Ware take Hwy. 146 toward
Jonesboro. In about 4 miles, turn south at the historical marker road. At the
fork, turn right. Go a couple of miles and take the first right, you should
cross a concrete bridge over Dutch Creek. The road soon turns west and fords a
shallow creek before it turns back south and starts up a long hill. When the
road levels off, park and begin birding.
This upland forest has concentrations of Warblers,
Vireos, thrushes and other passerines. Hooded and Cerulean Warblers breed here.
Information: Shawnee National Forest
800-699-6637
Union County Refuge
The refuge is located east of Rt. 3 in western Union County.
Spring and winter are the most exciting times to visit.
The main road is open all year, but other areas have restrictions. Please
contact the site office. Pileated and Red-headed woodpeckers are very common.
Watch the wet areas for shorebirds and waterfowl. Mississippi Kites are present
most of the summer, as well as fish crows and red-shouldered hawks.
Information: 618-833-5175
Birding Fest of
Southernmost Illinois
The Festival has something for everyone by providing a venue of programs, guided
hikes and tours for people of all ages and abilities from the casual wildlife
watcher to the expert birder. Rain or shine; all programs will take place at the
Cache River Wetlands Center and include guided canoe tours, birding hikes, live
bird demonstrations, wildlife photo exhibits, and much more.
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