Local Birding
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Wildlife Prairie Park
3826 N. Taylor Road
Hanna City, IL 61536
Phone: 309-676-0998
Directions |
Located just 10 miles west of downtown Peoria. WPP is conveniently located 2 ½
miles south of I-74.
Take I-74, Exit 82 or I-474, Exit 3 and follow the signs.
Wildlife Prairie Park -
Official Website
Google Map to Wildlife Prairie Park
eBird:
Birding
Hotspot Map |
Description |
Wildlife Prairie
Park has often been referred to as a jewel in the Midwest. This
1,800-acre zoological park is home to over 150 animals/50 different species that
are native to Illinois.
Visitors come to learn about wolves, bison, waterfowl, black bear, elk,
cougar, otter and much more.
The park consists of natural landscape, where visitors can learn about
conservation and be surprised at everything Wildlife Prairie Park has to
offer, including fishing, lodging, and birding in the varied habitats.
Brochure:
Self-guided Tour of WPP
Note:
State Park Admission Fee |
Suggested Route/Stops |
Suggested Routes and stops for Birding:
Any of the cottages by the lake are a bird watcher’s dream
- Hike the 4 mi. Floodplain Trail to experience a wide variety of
habitats
- Merril Woods Loop
- Daily Raptor Program (see website for dates that apply throughout the
year)
- Deep Lake
- Hazels Hill
- Walden Pond
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Commonly Seen Birds |
Significant species sightings for 2010 include: Barred Owl, Great Blue Herons, Indigo
Buntings, Orioles, Blue Jays, Coopers Hawk, Bald Eagle, Red-headed Woodpecker,
Horned Lark, Whip-poor-will, Bald Eagle, Great Horned Owls, American Kestrels,
and many others.
Wildlife Prairie Park is home to at least 12 of the Top 20 Common Birds in
decline as listed by the Audubon Society in 2010. Also, a great place to watch
as species such as the Sandhill Crane migrate over the Bison Pasture. |
Specialties
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Preservation of Illinois Native Species, Hiking Trails,
Conservation through Education, Special Events, and Outdoor Family Activities |
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Roaming Bison in large field at
Wildlife Prairie State Park
This, somewhat tame, white-tailed deer fawn was by the hiking trails near its mother.
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