Big Buffalo Creek Conservation Area Birding Trail

Big Buffalo Creek is dominated by forest, with patches of grassland, old fields, wetlands, and ponds. Currently, the area is managed for the long-term health and sustainability of the diverse forest resources. As you hike through these rugged hills, you will see various forest management activities, including timber stand improvement, tree planting, commercial thinning, even-aged and uneven-aged commercial harvests, woodland restoration, and glade and savanna restoration. Some stands of old-growth forest remain at Big Buffalo, and it’s worth the making the trip to bird amongst these majestic trees.

The Big Buffalo Creek Fen Natural Area is just northeast of the parking lot. This natural area is filled with glacial relict plants and animals that were common 10,000 years ago, when glaciers covered the Midwest. In the tall older trees, look for brown creeper, hairy woodpecker, and red-headed woodpecker. Eastern whip-poor-will and chuck-will’s-widow can be heard calling loudly on spring and summer evenings, alongside barred owls. Wild turkey are also abundant throughout the area. These woods attract a good variety of migrant wood warblers. You might encounter cerulean warbler, American redstart, hooded warbler, and golden-winged warbler, among many others. As you explore the area, be cautious of the trail conditions. Some of the trails can be quite steep and will only be accessible in dry conditions.