This recent (1993) addition to the Illinois River National Wildlife and Fish Refuges Complex is still in the developmental stage. The best opportunity to explore Emiquon NWR exists at the Frank Bellerose Trail, which moves through the maple-elm riparian forest of the lower Spoon River. In this lush stretch of Spoon River, the Wood Duck is king, careening through the timber and constantly uttering its hoarse "Weet! Weet! Weet!" call. The many natural tree cavities along the trail are used by Prothonotary Warblers and Red-headed Woodpeckers, as well as mammals such as Raccoon, Squirrel, and Opossum.