Wes and Sue Dixon Waterfowl Refuge - Hennepin, IL - Birdwatching Locations on Waymarking.com

Near Hennepin, along IL Route 26, is the Wes and Sue Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, which has many places to observe water-loving and other birds.

The refuge is located on the west side of Route 26, a few miles south of the intersection into Hennepin. There are signs for it. Take a right at the sign (from Hennepin) and drive a short distance to a split that takes you through the entrance of the refuge. The parking lot is a short distance beyond.

The refuge, run by The Wetlands Initiative, which has several properties that preserve areas for conservation. This area is just south of the great bend in the Illinois River from westward flowing to southward. This land has 2700 acres of mostly shallow lake and some highlands. Up until 2001, this area was drained and used for corn and soybean fields. Since then, the drainage pipes have been turned off, and the area is now valued wetlands, open to the public all year and without any fees. In 2004, it was designated by National Audubon as an Audubon Important Bird Area. In 2012, it was listed as a Wetland of International Importance, in accordance to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

There are other signs that this is where you can find birds. Off the parking lot, there is a short path to an observation tower 30 ft high. There you can find monocular installations at both the ground level and at the deck level. There are also signs about the flora and fauna of the area so you know what to look for. In particular, there is a sign about migrating waterfowl.

There is also a half mile (one way) nature trail that leads you along the edge of the wetland. There, you can see a mixture of birds liking open areas or woods.

At the time of visit, I saw a few birds, not surprizing since it was the heat of the day. I did see great blue herons, swans, falcon (probably), and a flock of about 5 hummingbirds.

Park Name: Wes and Sue Waterfowl Refuge Sponsoring Organization: The Wetlands Initiative Handicap Accessible?: Yes Website: [Web Link] Entrance Fee: 0.00 (listed in local currency) List any Hides, Birding Towers, or other structures to assist in Birdwatching found at the location: Observation tower, 30 ft high. Monocular installations at both ground level and on top of the tower. Parking Coordinates: Not Listed

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