Location: Ottawa Canyon Trailhead, Ottawa, IL 61350

Date: Saturday, 02/08/25

Time: 9 AM - ~ 12 PM

On this trip, we'll explore the magical winter landscape of the canyons along the Illinois River at Starved Rock- Ottawa, Kaskasia and Illinois. As we hike along and on top of frozen streams, we'll look for winter residents like woodpeckers, kinglets and winter wrens. We'll plan to hike to some of the frozen waterfalls in these canyons and walk back to the parking lot. If time permits, we can drive to the west side of Starved Rock park to look for other winter songbirds in St. Louis Canyon. After this, we'll look along the Illinois river from Lone Point shelter for Bald Eagles and waterfowl.

After our exploration of the canyons and the Illinois river, trip participants can choose to caravan along the open agricultural landscapes of La Salle County, looking for openland raptors like Northern Harrier and Rough-legged Hawk as well as longspurs and Horned Larks.

Leaders: Vinod Babu

Pre-registration is required. Please contact Vinod Babu (pavinodbabu@gmail.com) or Chris Holden (twoheadedvireo@gmail.com) at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend or with questions.

Accessibility:

Total trip distance is approximately 2 miles through tricky terrain. We'll walk through the canyon bottom which will likely be frozen over.

Lone point shelter will have restrooms, but you can also choose to stop along the way in the town of Ottawa.

Weather/Attire/Other:

Please remember to dress warmly and wear sturdy winter boots. This is a fairly tricky hike. Hiking poles may be useful. This will be a fairly long ride from Chicago, so it's helpful to stop in Ottawa for a break and for breakfast/lunch.

The exact meeting location will be emailed in advance to registrants. Free parking is available at the trailhead parking lots.  The location is not readily accessible by public transit.

COVID:

Please bring a face mask with you. You may be asked to wear it as needed by the trip leader.