Xperience Emiquon: 2013 IAS Spring Gathering

by Jane Garrison Ward

Observation Date: April 27, 2013
Location: Lakeland Park, Canton, Illinois
Weather: Partly cloudy, 45 degrees F

This past weekend I attended the annual Illinois Audubon Society Spring Gathering, hosted here in the Illinois valley by the Emiquon Audubon Society. This event was supposed to include access to The Nature Conservancy's Emiquon Nature Preserve. However, historic flooding caused the water from the Illinois and Spoon Rivers to overtop Thompson Levee, which surrounds the Emiquon Preserve. Our Saturday morning activities were moved to drier locations. My group, Group C, explored Lakeland Park in Canton, Illinois. Photos below are from the walk we took in the morning. I didn't complete the walk through Big Creek Park, a heavily wooded area, which I understand was outstanding in the number of bird species they encountered, but here are the photos from the early morning walk at Lakeland.

Saturday, April 20, 2013 Observation

by Michelle Quinones
Date: Saturday, April 20, 2013

Time: 10:00 am

Location:  Coal Creek

Temperature: 42 degrees

Weather: Cool but sunny, without wind

Following our April meeting, we ventured down to Coal Creek. It was immediately apparent that the creek had overflowed its banks during the recent flooding. Grass laid down several feet around the top of the creek walls. But today, the day is bright and glorious. Our spring in Fulton County is late this year, but the green has come, and with it, bits and pieces of promise. The first year we hiked Coal Creek, it was in full bloom. The second time, the spring was earlier and we were a little late for the show. This year, a bit early. The lesson? Applaud whatever appears at the moment you're looking.

 

                

Trail Monitor 4-3-2013

Cindy McGrew

4-3-2013

Emiquon Preserve Ridge and Thompson Lake

Mostly sunny, wind 10mph, 48 degrees

 

Spring must truly be here!  The Blues are finally building.  Of the 12 boxes I monitor at Emiquon, 2 had completed nests and 4 had incomplete nests. 

They are about 2 weeks behind their average building dates.

In addition, I spotted some Northern Shovelers on the lake.

Easter day at Emiquon

Liz Cheek

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Clark Road

Sunny, Wind 11 mph, 58 degrees

It was a beautiful sunny Easter Sunday at Emiquon and signs of spring are everywhere. The clouds were creating dark patches on the trees and landscape along Clark road. Redwing black birds are claiming their territories. Ducks are abundant and the Canada Geese were no liking my presence and rightfully telling me so.

A Good Friday for a Paddle

Cindy McGrew

March 29, 2013

Thompson Lake

Sunny-Partly Cloudy, Light Breeze, 57 degrees

 

The turtles and I were out enjoying a perfect day for the first paddle of 2013.

 

Bluebird Trail Monitor

Cindy McGrew

March 27, 2013

Emiquon Preserve Bluebird Trail

Partly Cloudy, Light Breeze, 45 degrees

 

The bluebirds are late this year. I usually have eggs in the nest boxes by the end of March. This year, however, I just found my first "reservations" today...and only in 2 boxes. Apparently they knew about the big snowstorm???

 

The two boxes that contain the bits of grass are located on the ridge.  The ridge is where I have seen the most bluebirds fledged since beginning the project in 2007.

 

 

Snowy Emiquon

Jane Garrison Ward

March 25, 2013

Clark Road 

Overcast, 34 degrees, Snow-covered

On Monday afternoon, after receiving eight inches of snow overnight, the snow was already melting from the landscape. 

 

Snow Geese hugged the edge of Thompson Lake at the Wetland Access Point.

--
Jane Ward
Lewistown, Illinois
http://walkwithmepart2.blogspot.com/