Papa’s Back Is Home to 100 Wee Ones
A male giant water bug broods a clutch of +/- 100 eggs on his back.
Read MoreA male giant water bug broods a clutch of +/- 100 eggs on his back.
Read MoreAs shown in this stock photo, the male common yellowthroat bears unmistakable plumage that includes a black mask trimmed on top with white. A denizen…
Read MoreThe tail-like bracts protruding from the cones of the Douglas fir serve as a handy identification trait, as well as a subject for folklore.
Read MoreCurly and colorful, the opening leaf buds of the shagbark hickory sometimes are mistaken for exotic flowers in bloom.
Read MoreDescribed as bigger than a robin but smaller than a crow, the Virginia rail is a marsh inhabitant that is considered uncommon in our area.
Read MoreA killdeer warns a potential threat away from her nest by displaying the orange bands on her tail. She as well as her mate will…
Read MoreFox sparrows in our area display a wash of ‘foxy’ reddish brown and are noted for their larger size and vigorous feeding methods.
Read MoreA common loon, on its way to its northern breeding grounds, stopped to rest and feed for a few days at the pond at Delnor…
Read MoreIn spring male tree swallows, identified by their iridescent blue backs, arrive on their breeding territories about a week ahead of the females, which have…
Read MoreNamed for the gray buds of its male flowers, our native pussy willow is an important source of pollen and nectar for early spring insects.
Read MoreSkunk cabbage in bloom. Later in spring the plant will unfurl its large leaves that, yes, are just as stinky as its flowers. Meanwhile the…
Read MoreCourtship in the turtle world can include many behaviors, including the fluttering of the foreclaws in a display known as titillation.
Read MoreKnock on wood: Instead of singing to declare their territory, woodpeckers drum on trees and other resonant surfaces. Several structural adaptations protect the birds’ brains…
Read MoreMore salt doesn’t mean more melting power. Chloride from excess salt infiltrates our streams and groundwater and puts aquatic life and freshwater resources at risk.
Read MoreVoles can be differentiated from mice by their rounded, chunky bodies and short tails. Roughly the shape of a small baked potato, they are a…
Read MoreThe bright yellow eyes of the male goldeneye aren’t the only things to look for in this distinctive species. Watch for animated courtship displays as…
Read MoreWith large eyes and fuzzy bodies, jumping spiders frequently are referred to as the ‘teddy bears’ of the spider world. About 350 species occur throughout…
Read MoreAlthough 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…
Read MoreCardinals 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…
Read MoreHow do you host a wild bird bash in the middle of winter? Just add water…to a heated birdbath.
Read MoreChickadees make frequent trips to birdfeeders as they cache, or stash, the food items they’ll need to survive in winter.
Read MoreOriental bittersweet, an aggressive invader of woodlands, has become naturalized across northeastern Illinois.
Read MorePuffy, blobby and white, the mushroom known as shrimp of the woods is valued by some foragers of wild edibles for its texture and flavor.…
Read MoreLook, but don’t touch! Meloe spp. oil beetles pack a powerful chemical defense, but also feature a life cycle with astounding intricacies.
Read MoreParticipants in the Kane County Certified Naturalist program learn about local ecology through a combination of coursework and field trips to area parks and preserves.
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