ABOUT YOUR GUIDE

Les Winkeler writes for the Southern Illinoisan newspaper in Carbondale and is a contributing writer for Illinois Outdoor News. He has also been inducted into the Illinois Outdoors Hall of Fame.

Les has made his mark as an award-winning outdoors writer and photographer for the past 31 years. His knowledge of the animals of the area, especially the birds and mammals, and his photography skills will help you enjoy the inspiring beauty of Southern Illinois. Les is a lifelong resident of the region, growing up on a farm near Breese, about 75 miles north of Carbondale.

The excursions are designed to give clients optimum opportunities to view and photograph wildlife. The roads you’ll travel were carefully selected to place you directly in wildlife habitat. And, the amount of hiking is geared to individual clients. If mobility is a problem, be assured that these excursions will provide ample viewing and photographic opportunities from the vehicle. These trips are about you: Scenery, dragonflies, wildflowers, butterflies are easily added to the agenda.

Les Winkeler, owner and operator of Winkeler’s Wings and Wildlife, currently has two photos on display at the Works of Nature Exhibit. The exhibit is at the Ella Elizabeth Hise Museum of Regional Art at Southeastern Illinois College, located east of Harrisburg. The exhibit runs through June 25. Les has always had an eye for beautiful wildlife and wanted to put that local beauty on display. The Ella Elizabeth Hise Museum of Regional Art highlights many local artists, from multiple disciplines ranging from photography to painting, to everything in between.
One photo is entitled, Preening Heron. The photo was taken on a cold winter’s day at Crab Orchard Lake. The other, Path to Ferne Clyffe, is a scenic taken on a snowy day at Ferne Clyffe State Park, located just south of Goreville, Illinois.
Exhibit details can be found here.

Les loves to spend his free time exploring the wilderness and photographing beautiful scenes. While the spring and summer months are amazing for exploration, many cannot deny the beauty of the winter months.

“I have lived in southern Illinois all of my life. Les showed me more wild life and wild life areas that I had heard of but never visited until I made the trip with him. I will be forever grateful to him for sharing his knowledge and experiences with me.” – Harold Bardo

Available Tours

6 HRS | 1 PERSON $250, 2-3 PPL $300

Songbirds of the Sahara Woods National Wildlife Area

  • Camera rental available upon request.
  • Binoculars are provided at no cost.
  • Your photos available online at no charge.
6 HRS | 1 PERSON $250, 2-3 PPL $300

Waterfowl + Wading Birds Mermet Lake and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

  • Camera rental available upon request.
  • Binoculars are provided at no cost.
  • Your photos available online at no charge.
6 HRS | 1 PERSON $250, 2-3 PPL $300

Eagles and Ducks Horseshoe Lake Wildlife Area

  • Camera rental available upon request.
  • Binoculars are provided at no cost.
  • Your photos available online at no charge.

“ I highly, highly recommend this wildlife tour.
Wes is friendly, accomodating, and really knows his stuff. ”