The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A coyote howling in the snow
Nature curiosity: Why do coyotes howl?
1/31/2019Read moreThe sound of a coyote howling in the night is enough to stop people in their tracks, but have you ever stopped to think about what they are saying?
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A blue jay with a nut in its mouth
A trick of nature: Blue jays aren't really blue
1/25/2019Read moreIt might shock you to learn blue jays aren't actually blue. Instead, we just perceive them to be blue because of how light passes through the birds' feathers.
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Geese on a frozen lake
Nature curiosity: Why don't birds' feet freeze?
1/24/2019Read moreEver shiver at the sight of birds on the ice in the dead of winter? No need to worry. Geese and other waterfowl are built to withstand these harsh conditions.
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A groundhog walking in the grass
Creature feature: The season-predicting groundhog
1/23/2019Read moreThe groundhog becomes a celebrity each year on February 2, awakening from a months-long slumber to "predict" when winter will end. Beyond this annual ritual, most Americans know little about the groundhog.
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An aerial view of Rock Run Rookery
A slide through history: Rock Run Rookery Preserve
1/17/2019Read moreIn its former life, the preserve now known as Rock Run Rookery used to be much less spectacular.
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A red fox walking in the grass
Creature feature: The cunning and clever red fox
1/8/2019Read moreThese sly creatures are skilled hunters and adaptable to many habitats and environments, including rural, suburban and urban areas.
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Two owls perched on a fence
Nature curiosity: How do owls turn their heads so far?
1/7/2019Read moreWhile it’s a common misconception that owls can turn their heads 360 degrees, they still can perform some pretty dramatic feats when it comes to checking out their environment
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Snowy owl on the ground
Creature feature: The stunning snowy owl
12/15/2018Read moreSnowy owls are a prized find among bird-watchers, because the beautiful birds are a sight to behold set against a wintry backdrop.
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White-breasted nuthatch on a feeder
Nature curiosity: How do birds hear?
12/14/2018Read moreIf you’ve thought to yourself "Do birds have ears?," well the answer to that question is both yes and no.
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Rat peeking out of hole
What happens when biodiversity is lost? Rats, pigeons move in, study shows
12/7/2018Read moreAccording to a new study published by PLOS Biology, as species that are unique to particular ecosystems vanish, the more common — and mostly undesireable ones — move in.
Current Headlines
Start your autumn with family-friendly fun at Fall on the Farm event on Sept. 14
Fall on the Farm is set for Saturday, Sept. 14, at Riverview Farmstead Preserve. Attendees can explore the 19th-century buildings, visit a petting zoo, try their hand at farm chores, view antique tractors and enjoy live bluegrass music.
Visitor centers to close on Labor Day, bait shops will be open
Forest Preserve visitor centers will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2, for the Labor Day holiday, but concession stands will be open at Monee Reservoir in Monee Township and Hidden Lakes Trout Farm at Hidden Oaks Preserve in Bolingbrook.