The national wildlife refuge
The refuge lies along Illinois Route 78/97 near Havana. Its headquarters is at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official refuge map for access points.
Places to Explore / Illinois
Waterbirds, wide skies, and close-up discoveries in the Emiquon wetlands.
This collection explores the wider Emiquon area, including boardwalk views that appear to be from neighboring Emiquon Preserve. The national wildlife refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; the preserve is managed separately by The Nature Conservancy.
Along the Illinois River
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge protects wetlands near the meeting of the Illinois and Spoon rivers. Open water, shallow pools, and exposed mudflats create different opportunities for watching birds as water levels change.
These photographs move from broad wetland views to the details along the shoreline: a sandpiper searching the mud, a stilt reflected in shallow water, and turtles sharing a sunny resting spot.
The boardwalk photographs also show how different this landscape looks between the growing season and the quieter colors of dormant vegetation.
Look a little closer
Cliff Swallows look out from carefully built mud nests, while Black-necked Stilts wade on remarkably long pink legs. Northern Shovelers, Buffleheads, Green-winged Teal, and American Coots bring different shapes and patterns to the water.
Snow Geese appear in both white and blue plumage forms. Canada Goose families gather near the shore, and a Great Egret and a stilt share the same patch of wetland.
The gallery records past visits around Emiquon. Wildlife sightings and water conditions vary; a photograph is not a promise of what will be present on your visit.
From the photo archive
Click a photograph to open the slideshow. Use the arrows to browse, or swipe on a phone. Additional photographs expand into this same gallery.
Plan a visit
The refuge lies along Illinois Route 78/97 near Havana. Its headquarters is at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official refuge map for access points.
The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve offers boardwalks, observation areas, and trails. Its visitor parking is at 11304 North Prairie Road. Use the preserve’s own visitor information for directions and access requirements.
General visitor hours are sunrise to sunset. Refuge access varies with flooding and seasonal wildlife closures; check current notices before visiting. The preserve has separate rules, including lake-access requirements.
Bring binoculars and give resting, feeding, and nesting birds plenty of space. Watch from designated public areas and leave nests, plants, and animals undisturbed.
Visitor information: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge · The Nature Conservancy — Emiquon Preserve.
Photographs by Brian Woolman / Where’s Wildlife.