Turtles, Birds and Beaver at Stickney Run Conservation Area in McHenry, Illinois

 

Pond Tranquility and Wildlife Visits Enchant at Stickney Run

Stickney Run Conservation Area in McHenry County immediately dazzled us with wetland views. We quickly experienced a preserve full of wildlife abuzz with the excitement of spring. 

A tranquil pond at Stickney Run Conservation Area affords a spot for admiring nature's serenity.

Admiring Spring at a Tranquil Pond

We began our hike by descending down from the parking lot to a wetland area. A tranquil pond displaying the gentle reflections of the woodlands invited pause. As we traversed the preserve, we would find this particular pond to be the ideal spot for spotting wildlife.

Natural trails did have rolls in spots.

Stickney Run presented trails crossing a rolling landscape. As we hiked through the woodlands, we spotted quite a few birds including the lovely migratory bird -- the golden-crowned kinglet. Woodpeckers drilled trees looking for insects. Our hike was peaceful and full of nature to discover.

A Northern shoveler swims by Canada geese at  Stickney Run Conservation Area.

We circled back to the pond and embarked on a trail that traced one edge a little more closely with a few spots where we could walk closer to the edge. We viewed an incredible cluster of wildlife on a spring afternoon! We spotted waterfowl enjoying the spring day including a Northern shoveler, Canada geese, teals and more.

Turtles enjoying the sun from a log at Stickney Run Conservation Area.

Our First Turtle Sighting of Spring

As we rounded the corner of the pond to ascend up to a trail on an embankment, we observed a sea of turtles sunning themselves. The turtles enjoyed stretching their necks and legs out in the warm sun. Soon, we saw something swimming towards one of the logs the turtles reposed upon. Eventually, we could make out that we indeed were watching a beaver!

A beaver swims to a log along the shore.

We often see muskrats on our hikes. How to tell the difference between a muskrat and a beaver you may ask? The tail! A beaver has a flat tail while the muskrat's tail is round and like a rope. When we spotted the tail, we knew.  As you can see here, our beaver friend is enjoying a bit of the edge of one of the logs.

Overall, the pond provided an opportunity for fantastic nature viewing. After pausing in a few spots to enjoy wildlife, we began on the Cemetery Trail which took us to an old pioneer cemetery called Mosgrove Cemetery. John and Jane Mosgrove buried at the cemetery are believed to have been prominent farmers in the mid-1800s. It is thought that several of their area neighbors are buried at the site as well. 

The grasslands of Stickney Run also welcome a plethora of wildlife.

Along the way to the cemetery, we spied a few different birds on the edge of the woodlands and in the grasslands. During this segment of the hike, we did not encounter any other hikers.

The array of wildlife at Stickney Run Conservation Area certainly dazzled us! Combined with the sweet serenity of the pond, we savored quite an escape at Stickney Run. We are so fortunate to uncover this preserve to add to our list of nature adventures.