The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A ruby-throated hummingbird perched on a reddish branch. Its tongue is extended beyond its bill.
Migration watch: Hummingbirds are winging their way north toward Will County
3/6/2025For those on you on hummingbird watch, there's good news to report: Hummingbirds have made it to the U.S. on their annual northern migration, having been spotted as far north as northern Florida, Louisiana and Texas.
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A group of more than a dozen American white pelicans standing on and around a log in shallow water.
Migration watch: Pelicans are back in Will County
3/5/2025One of the most anticipated events among birders each spring and fall is the arrival of the American white pelicans, and now is the time you'll once again start seeing these birds along waterways in the area.
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A woodcock walking across grass.
Quiz: Are you wise about woodcocks?
3/5/2025Test your knowledge with these 10 questions.
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A monarch at rest on a wildflower.
Migration watch: Monarchs have landed in in the U.S.
3/4/2025We're charting migrations this season, announcing when a variety of species hit major milestones on their travels north.
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Two sandhill cranes flying overhead.
Migration watch: Eyes to the skies for sandhill cranes passing through
3/3/2025It's peak migration season for sandhill cranes, so don't be surprised if you hear their loud, bugling call overhead.
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A full moon with a reddish tint during a total lunar eclipse.
What you need to know about March's blood moon lunar eclipse
2/27/2025Two eclipses will grace the sky in March, but only one — a total lunar eclipse on March 14 — will be visible in Illinois.
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A downy woodpecker perched on a tree trunk with a spot visible where they have cleared the bark.
Quiz: Are you a downy woodpecker whiz?
2/26/2025Can you ace this 10-question quiz?
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A badger peering out from a hole in the ground with dirt covering its face.
Five fast facts about fast-digging American badgers
2/20/2025Get to know the American badger, one of the animal kingdom's more renowned diggers.
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A woolly bear caterpillar on a wooden surface.
Nature curiosity: Why don't woolly bear caterpillars freeze to death?
2/19/2025Despite what you may have heard, woolly bear caterpillars can't predict how bad the winter weather will be. But they do have a pretty cool way to survive even the most frigid temperatures.
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An eastern screech owl perched atop a tree snag.
Quiz: Are you an expert on screech owls?
2/18/2025Take this 10-question quiz to find out.
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Trailblazer experience pushes pet owners to keep moving this winter
Instead of staying home during this cold snap and pulling the covers over their heads, dog owners are finding that the Forest Preserve's new Be a Trailblazer experience is a wonderful motivation to get outside to keep their dogs and themselves moving.