Waterfowl

Illinois lies in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway with waterfowl breeding grounds to the north and the wintering grounds to the south. In previous centuries, the high quality and abundance of its wetlands, Illinois has historically welcomed legions of nesting and migratory waterfowl and other waterbirds. Although its landscapes have changed dramatically, Illinois still hosts significant numbers of waterfowl and other waterbirds, especially during fall and spring migrations, and will continue to do so thanks to public and private protected and restored wetland habitat. Major restored wetlands in Winnebago County include Pecatonica Wetlands Forest Preserve, Pecatonica River Forest Preserve and Nygren Wetland Preserve (owned and managed by the Natural Land Institute). Both are excellent places to view waterfowl including up to 35 species of geese, swans and ducks. Diverse migrating waterfowl can be seen in the four rivers and in oxbow ponds within numerous forest preserves. Among the species known to breed in Winnebago County are Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Blue-winged teal and Hooded Merganser.