Although the last undisputed sighting dates to 1944, some experts still question whether the ivory-billed woodpecker, shown here as a taxidermy mount, should be declared…
Ivory-Billed Woodpeckers
Northern Cardinals
Cardinals get their names-both common and scientific-from the males’ bright red plumage, which is similar in color to the vestments of Catholic cardinals. Females and…
Heated Birdbaths
How do you host a wild bird bash in the middle of winter? Just add water…to a heated birdbath.
Cranes
No doubt about it, things are looking up here at Good Natured World Headquarters. Ah, but maybe I should clarify. By “things” I mean me,…
Chickadees
Chickadees make frequent trips to birdfeeders as they cache, or stash, the food items they’ll need to survive in winter.
Oriental Bittersweet
Oriental bittersweet, an aggressive invader of woodlands, has become naturalized across northeastern Illinois.
Shrimp of the Woods
Photo Caption: Puffy, blobby and white, the mushroom known as shrimp of the woods is valued by some foragers of wild edibles for its texture and flavor. But the fungus has another name, the aborted Entoloma, and another side to its fascinating story. Good Natured: Shrimp of the Woods November 19, 2021 In the
Oil Beetles
Photo Caption: Look, but don’t touch! Meloe spp. oil beetles pack a powerful chemical defense, but also feature a life cycle with astounding intricacies. Good Natured: Oil Beetles November 12, 2021 On a walk a few short weeks ago, in the Hickory Knolls Natural Area, something big happened: I struck oil. Really. Well, to
Kane County Certified Naturalists
Photo Caption: Participants in the Kane County Certified Naturalist program learn about local ecology through a combination of coursework and field trips to area parks and preserves. Good Natured: Kane County Certified Naturalists November 5, 2021 When was the last time you looked – I mean realllllly looked – at the shape and size
Fall Colors
Photo Caption: Thanks to warmer-than-usual temperatures, many trees held onto their green color–that is, their chlorophyll–until late October this year. Good Natured: Fall Colors October 29, 2021 The other day I went to write a check was confronted by a skill I’ll probably never master: how to remember what day it is. There’s something