Birding
View the Beautiful Birds of Carroll County
From woodpeckers to waterfowl, bald eagles to blackbirds, feathered friends abound in Carroll County. Abundant woods, wetlands, and the Mississippi itself make the area a perfect place for birds to thrive. Up to 2,500 bald eagles winter along the Mississippi River near the locks and dams. Turbulence created below the dams stir up fish for eagles to feast upon. In addition, the wooded bluffs that overlook the Mississippi River are excellent habitat for roosting and nesting eagles. Whether you want a guided birding tour or just a leisurely stroll through one of our many nature preserves, you’ll find a birders paradise here.
Grab Your Binoculars to See Over 190 Species of Birds
Ayers Sand Prairie Nature Preserve
This preserve largely made up of sand dunes, is also home to a wide variety of birds and many other forms of wildlife.
French Bluff Illinois State Recreational Nature Area
This large forest area is an excellent birding site for interior forest birds, as well as a good site to view spring wildflowers.
Frog Pond
Located along Plum River, this area provides wheelchair accessibility and plenty of viewing areas to watch migrating birds.
Mississippi Palisades State Park
Experience some of the best birding in the state in this 2,400 acre reserve filled with wooded ravines and steep forested bluffs. Numerous overlooks are perfect for watching eagles soar over the Mississippi in the winter or migrating waterfowl in spring and fall. Off the water, you'll find dozens of species, from the pileated woodpecker to 34 species of warbler.
Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge
Here you can take a guided tour and view many birds, plants, and other wildlife.