White Pelicans in Illinois

Someone told me last year that White Pelicans migrate up the Mississippi about this time of year. I'm interested in finding somewhere to see them that is no more than 2.5 hours from the Chicago area. Does anyone know of a good place?

Horicon Marsh always has a good number when I visit in May.

They come up the Mississippi but the trouble is that in the Spring they are intent on nesting and they don't spend allot of time in one place. Try getting reports from any of the local nature clubs in your area. In the Fall they are much more likely to take their time migrating and will sometimes stage in an area of the river for a week or so.

I don't think you'll find anything in the 2.5 hour range. That's putting you in Davenport or Peoria. I have seen one in Davenport before but I think he was lost.

Most of the places are farther south around the St. Louis area so figure 4 to 5 hours one way.

Chris,
Right across for L&D14 (Ill side) there is a little park and you can walk right up to the first lock. Great place to see them.

There is also a rookery north of L&D13 but it's on an island and really needs boat access.

The guys in the local camera club say late March to May is the time.

Mark

Thanks Mark. Maybe it was you that told me about the pelicans last year.

Come up to the Fox Lake and Fox River area. There are about a dozen of them right now. If you go on Rte. 12 and thru the town of Fox Lake, just as you come across the bridge - look to left and you will see them as well as if you are able to park somewhere around the Fox River.
One good place - the corner of Chapel Hill Road and Linden. Pull into the Epic Deli parking lot and you can go down by the river there and if you look to the north - you will see a few every morning. I"m watching 5 of them swim by now.

Hey, thanks for the tips!!

Listservs are a great way to get info about birds around the state. I bet Illinois has one.

I found a forum too:
http://www.ilbirds.com​/