Site Report: Elgin - Bluff Spring Fen

Growing up in the area, Bluff Spring Fen was known as the abandoned quarry, and there was plenty of summer partying going on during my high school years. The disused land became a Illinois Nature Preserve in 1987 mainly due to the presence of rare prairie plants. After years of restoration, the fen is now one of the premier birding areas in the region. I recently visited the fen, and I found several birds that can be difficult to find in the area including Indigo Buntings, Eastern Wood Pewee, Green Heron, and Belted Kingfisher. Other birds included American Goldfinch, House Wren, Double-crested Cormorant, Northern Flicker, Common Grackle (including a grackle with white wing feathers), Great Horned Owl, Red-tailed Hawk, Savannah Sparrow, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Downy Woodpecker. You might be able to see some fairly tame White-tailed Deer. Some of the cooler looking plants are in a sandy area near the southwest corner of the reserve. To get to the reserve, you must park inside the Bluff City Cemetery. Hours are seasonal and posted at the entrance. There is an exit for Bluff City Blvd. from Rt. 20. It is also possible to access the reserve from Gifford Road, but don't park your car for risk of tow.