Sanganois State Wildlife Area
Come visit Sanganois State Wildlife Area in Chandlerville, IL
With numerous floodplain lakes, sloughs, bottomland forests, both tallgrass prairie and sand prairie, this site offers incredible diversity within its 10,360 acres. The site is operated as a public hunting area, with fishing and boating. Northeast of the confluence of the Illinois and Sangamon Rivers, the rich, diverse ecology is a product of both of these streams. The prairie northwest of the office is home to Northern Bobwhite, Dickcissel, Western Meadowlark, and when the evening light is just right, watch for dancing woodcocks. Birders should avoid this site during fall waterfowl and deer hunting seasons. For information check with the IDNR site office near the main entrance. Though trails are few, birders can hike an unpaved road around Knapps Island (on the east side of the parking area) or hike the levee northwest to the Illinois River. Skim the many timbered ponds and sloughs along the levee road that travel west and south through the refuge looking for Prothonotary Warblers, Wood Ducks and Herons. Scan the wetlands for Double-crested Cormorant, Little Blue Heron, White Pelican, and Bald Eagle. Search the forest edges for Pileated Woodpecker, Brown Creeper, and Tree Swallow.