Pecatonica Wetlands Forest Preserve in Pecatonica, Illinois enchanted us with an afternoon of wildlife watching. Visiting on a recent spring day, we benefitted from a nice temperature for wandering during spring migration. The opportunity to observe busy, spring wildlife awaited us!
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| Wetlands throughout Pecatonica Wetlands Forest Preserve provide critical habitat for a range of wildlife. |
Last summer, we passed Pecatonica Wetlands Forest Preserve while looking for a mural of a whooping crane in town. My interest was further piqued after learning the pileated woodpeckers had been seen in the area. So, we knew that we would have to return in the future when we had more time to wander the preserve's trails.
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| Pausing along the quiet pond at Pecatonica Wetlands Forest Preserve treated us to a range of wildlife observations. |
Not too far from Rockford, Pecatonica Wetlands Forest Preserve is quite a drive from us, so we had to wait for a free day. This week, we finally found our opening and headed to the preserve. Upon arriving, we immediately noted the striking wetlands enjoying the first green blush of spring. Spectacular!
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| Trees emerging from the pond and early spring grasses craft a peaceful scene. |
The preserve consists of 1,048 acres containing marshes, oxbow ponds, the Pecatonica River, a flood-plain forest, and an upland forest. Approximately 6.5 miles of hiking trails beckon wanderers through the preserve. A second section of the preserve holds 100 acres of woodlands and prairie as well as a local favorite picnicking area.
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| Stacked, weathered logs add to the peaceful scene at Pecatonica Wetlands. We spotted an otter dodging in and out of the logs. |
Gentle Trails and Incredible Wildlife Viewing
Gentle trails traverse the preserve making the nature haven welcoming to any wanderer. We quickly learned that Pecatonica Wetlands Preserve extends quite the opportunity to observe wildlife. We spotted wildlife all over but particularly within the wetlands. We saw a wealth of birds including night herons, We also saw an otter climbing over the artfully stacked trees at the edge of the pond.
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| Woodlands add more texture to the wetland landscape. |
If you visit, I highly recommend bringing your birding binoculars. As we hiked, an array of birds delighted us. Periodically we heard the calls of sandhill cranes. During our visit, we saw a barred owl, green heron, goldfinches, tree swallows, barn swallows, a scarlet tanager, cardinals, warblers, robins and much more. We did hear woodpeckers but, alas, I did not see my favorite pileated woodpecker. We were so impressed with the birding at this preserve, that this just means we need to visit again!
Pecatonica Wetlands Forest Preserve in Winnebago Country presents such a beautiful and serene preserve for meandering. I am so glad that we happened to notice it while on a mural adventure. We savored such a peaceful hike at Pecatonica Wetlands pausing to admire the striking wetlands and the diverse wildlife.
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