The Tri-State region offers birders some excellent locations of where to see a variety of species that take advantage of the Mississippi River Flyway. Siloam Springs State Park and Wakonda State Park offer excellent conditions for a good bird watching outing. Lock and Dam #19 in Keokuk is an excellent location to see Bald Eagles during the winter.
Wakonda State Park
Wakonda State Park is listed on the Great Missouri Birding Trail. 87 bird species have been recorded for the park. Look for grassland species such as Lark and Field Sparrows and the Dickcissel. Also, Bald Eagles, Northern Harriers, American White Pelicans, and Bitterns may be seen along with various waterfowl and wading birds.
Siloam Springs State Park
Siloam Springs State Park is home to two highly sought after species in Illinois: Worm-eating Warblerand Chuck-will’s-widow. The Worm-eating Warbler can be found in almost any of the ravines found throughout the park. Other species found in the park include Barred Owl, Eastern Whip-poor-will, Hooded Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Ovenbird, Northern Parula, Summer Tanager, Wood Thrush, Pileated Woodpecker, and Red-shouldered Hawk.
Bald Eagles
There are approximately 2,000 eagles that migrate to the Middle Mississippi River Valley, making the region's overwintering population the second largest in the continental United States. Lock and Dam #19 in Keokuk is an excellent location to see Bald Eagles during the winter.
