The fish hatchery is a fascinating place to see trout, but watch for wintering vultures and waterfowl, herons, shorebirds and songbirds as well. The scenic hills are home to songbirds, hawks, vultures, red fox, deer, wild turkeys and wildflowers, while the water's edge is inhabited by herons, raccoons, mink and waterfowl. The cypress swamps are excellent viewing for bald eagles, including several nests on the areas. Many warblers and other songbirds are seen in spring and summer, along with turtles, river otters, deer, wild turkeys, fish and hawks. The wintering snow geese, ducks and trumpeter swans are spectacular.
Steep bluffs are a nice backdrop for the plants and animals of the spring-fed riverways.
Fish and crayfish move beneath your canoe, herons and kingfishers hunt nearby, and turtles and snakes bask on logs. Songbirds move through the trees, and ferns and wildflowers grow on the banks and bluffs. Experience the tallgrass prairie's wildlife and wildflowers at Prairie State Park. Herds of bison and elk roam the scenic grasslands. Spring activities include the courtship of prairie chickens, nesting songbirds and Indian paintbrush in flower, followed by the coneflowers, butterflies and reptiles of summer.