Date: 4/24/26 10:48 pm From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Ledges State Park (Not a Sighting)
PS, If you stay until dark Whip-poor-wills, Screech Owls and Barred Owls
are almost a sure bet a mile South of the park at Luther Bridge.
There were four Whip-poor-wills calling the other evening up and down the
river.
The shoulders of the road on the west side of the bridge are 15 feet wide
so safe parking.
Clayton
On Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 12:36 AM Clayton Will <willcfish...> wrote:
> Hi Jacob,
>
> The Lost Lake trail is good for many Warblers. Just after you make a right
> turn at the species interpretive sign there is a bank of brush with trees
> behind that they migrate through and in the trees above. Spend a little
> time at the Frog pond just past on the left. I videod a Hooded Warbler
> there. Just before Lost Lake is where I was able to get a photo of a
> Connecticut Warbler. When you get to Lost Lake there is potential for large
> shorebirds and ducks. At Lost Lake trail parking lot if you're early
> Woodthrush will be calling along with Pileated Woodpecker.
> Across from the administration building look for Barred owls and one is
> out catching food during the day now.
> At the boat ramp there may be shorebirds on the sandbars, especially
> North. I've had a Little Blue Heron there when the water was low. Also a
> Say's Phoebe greeted me in a small willow right at the boat ramp.
> In the High Water Pole parking lot there can be Northern Parula,
> Yellow-throated Vireos and Yellow-throated Warblers and more calling from
> the Sycamore trees.
> In the Oak Savannah of the Upper Ledges I've found Scarlet Tanager, and
> various thrush.
> When you get down into the canyon the first parking lot past the first
> bridge is a good place to listen for Louisiana Waterthrush and Warblers.
> Another good place for Warblers is near the portable restrooms. Don't miss
> the Cliff Swallows on the right another ford or two West. As you exit the
> canyon and drive toward the North entrance of Lower Ledges (where Lost Lake
> Trail and the boat ramp are located) there is a pulloff and a back water.
> This can be good for Green Heron, Belted Kingfisher and shorebirds
> depending on water levels. Also ducks and a good area for Prothonotary
> Warlbers some years.
> If the canyon is closed because of high water you can walk in part way
> from the High Water Pole parking lot by crossing the bridge.
> In the campground there's a walking trail in the Northeast corner.
> Ledges is a wonderful place you can spend the entire day.
>
> Good luck and have a great day birding,
> Clayton Will
> Madrid
>
> On Thu, Apr 23, 2026 at 12:54 PM Jacob Wiese <jwiese66...> wrote:
>
>> Hey all,
>>
>> My wife and I plan to travel to Ledges State Park for the Big Day on May
>> 9th. We want to maximize our time. I am looking for suggestions on the best
>> places in the park to see Warblers, Shorebirds, and Raptors. What are some
>> areas you would recommend?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Jake Wiese
>> Lacona, Warren County
>>
>> *"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to
>> get better. It's not" -Dr. Seuss, The Lorax *
>>
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