Woodland Wildflowers at Emiquon

Last Saturday, the Emiquon Corps of Discovery went on a wildflower field trip. We found several species along Coal Creek, which runs behind TNC headquarters.

Spring Beauty was still growing along the creek and hillside.




Dutchman's Breeches were mostly past bloom, but I did find a few samples with blossoms.


Buttercups grew along the banks of the creek.


Wild Mustard was blooming along the path.


We encountered a couple of small patches of Virginia Bluebells.


Rosebud trees were in bloom.


Sweet William was scattered up the hillside.


Cutleaf Toothwort hadn't bloomed yet, but appeared ready to bloom.


We found several Jack-in-the-Pulpit plants.


And several Purple Trillium, one of which was blooming!

Pelicans in April

March brought Snow Geese to Emiquon, and April brought Pelicans! Thousands of pelicans were all over Thompson Lake. You never knew where you would find them. One day they were all out on the North end of the lake, the next they were out along the front of the lake where construction is going on. Other times they were far out at the South end of the lake. Then on Monday, they were flying all around and landing in the fields West of IL 78, flying directly over my head. A fantastic show for all!

At the South end of the lake:


At the North end:




Across from Prairie Road along Il 78:




Flying directly overhead:






Out in the fields at Emiquon West:


Flying over County Road 9:




Flying over Prairie Road:


Among the debris at the construction site North of the boat launch: