Labeled “sharp-shinned hawk” on a stock photography website, this photo actually may depict a male Cooper’s hawk. An informal Facebook poll yielded 12 votes for Cooper’s and 1 for sharp-shinned. But an expert from the Field Museum says the angle makes it hard to be 100% sure. What do you think? Sharp-Shinned Hawk…Maybe? February 9,
Bird, Good Natured, winter
Screech owls prefer to roost in spots like tree cavities, which offer protection from the elements. Birders need sharp eyes, and a little luck, to spot these beautiful birds. Birds flock to Hickory Knolls February 2, 2018 When we lead a nature program on the Hickory Knolls grounds, some things are a given. We know
Bird, Good Natured, winter
A dark-eyed junco at Hickory Knolls braves the elements with its feathers fluffed out, a tactic that helps improve insulation from the cold. Birds in Winter January 5, 2018 This latest weather blast has me thinking of winters gone by, particularly those of my childhood. Back then, girls weren’t allowed to wear pants to school
Bird, Good Natured
This male pileated woodpecker shows off his massive beak, which is used for excavating food as well as nest cavities from dead trees. (Photo credit: BryanHanson at MorgueFile.com) Characteristics of Pileated Woodpeckers December 22, 2017 Last week in this space we pondered the presence of the pileated woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus, here in Kane County. Only
Bird, Good Natured
The crow-sized pileated woodpecker has been appearing in our area with increased frequency. If you’re not lucky enough to see the bird itself, you can still search for its distinctive excavations on dead trees or fallen logs in rich woodlands. (Photo credit: BryanHanson at MorgueFile.com) Have you spotted a pileated woodpecker? December 15, 2017 So
Bird, Good Natured
A male red-bellied woodpecker takes advantage of the free buffet at the Hickory Knolls birdfeeders. Offering a variety of seeds, in a variety of feeder styles–tube, platform, hopper, suet–will in turn attract a variety of species. Choosing Birdseed November 24, 2017 November typically is the time folks send out invitations for holiday gatherings, be they
Bird, Good Natured
These giant puffballs range from small, about the size of a 16-inch softball, to medium, about the size of a volleyball, to large, about the size of a basketball. Giant Puffball November 10, 2017 Puffballs. At first glance, this word seems like it is describing pompons, or at least something fluffy. For instance, I once
Bird, Good Natured
White-throated sparrows can be identified by their distinctive song, or by the following field marks: A striped head and bright white patch under the throat, along with a streaky or smudgy gray breast. White-throated Sparrow November 3, 2017 Poor Sam Peabody… Peabody… Peabody. I don’t know Mr. Peabody and have no idea of what events
Bird, Good Natured
It may be summer for us, but for birds it’s molting season. This blue jay feather is just one of many spotted on a recent walk around St. Charles. Birds of a feather – it’s time to molt August 18, 2017 In Ecclesiastes we learn that everything has a season. A time to be born,
Bird, Environment, Good Natured
Those tiny specks flying in V formation actually are a flock of sandhill cranes migrating. This time of year, to find sandhill cranes, all you have to do is stop, look and listen. Stop, Look and Listen March 31, 2017 A while back, someone showed me a Facebook quiz titled Which Dr. Seuss Character Are
Bird, Good Natured