Moraine Hills SP, IL - Part II - Fox River Lock & Dam

Moraine Hills SP is split in two, divided by River Road.  On the west side is the Fox River and the Stratton Lock & Dam.  There is also a marsh on this side of the park.  Trail length is 2 miles with 2 viewing stands to watch the water fowl.

Looking north up the Fox River.

 Sure hope this guy had waders on!

View south on the river

 Between the river and the marsh are tall pine trees.  Planted since the rows were so straight, but sure smelled good.

Male and a female mallard

More mallards in the muddier part of the marsh

 

Gulls on the spillway - a little breezy

 Painted turtle 

 Juvenile male mallard

 A checkered garter snake - maybe 18" long

 From far away I thought these where blue herons, but they are sand hill cranes.

 This guy sure was noisy.

 Mute swans