The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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An indigo bunting with its wings outstretched in flight just after taking off from a tree snag.
Indigo buntings shine brightly in summer skies
5/7/2025We see plenty of blue birds here in northern Illinois, but none as brilliantly blue as the indigo bunting.
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A Cape May warbler perched at the end of a broken tree branch. Small spots of lichen dot the branch.
Warblers in the woods are one of spring's spectacles
5/2/2025Spring is a busy time for birds — and birders — as wave after wave of birds arrives locally. Included in the seasonal arrivals are the warblers, a group of tiny birds that flock to our forests.
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A river otter with just its head above the water.
Quiz: Can you ace this river otter quiz?
4/30/2025Test your knowledge on this 10-question quiz.
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A person pushing a lawn mower across a lawn. Half the lawn is freshly cut and half is full of dandelions.
Give your mower a rest in May. Do it for the bees.
4/28/2025Participating in No Mow May isn't just a way to cut down on your yardwork for a month. You'll be helping bees and other essential insects too.
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A northern flicker sitting in the branches of a crabapple tree dusted with snow.
Want winter wildlife in your yard? Plant these trees now
4/23/2025When planning your spring plantings, consider incorporating trees that will be a draw for wildlife in the winter too.
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A fennec fox laying in sand.
Wild Relatives: The fennec fox
4/22/2025Fennec foxes are the smallest fox species in the world, and they thrive in the extreme conditions of the Sahara Desert.
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A badger emerging from a hole in the ground.
Quiz: How much do you know about badgers?
4/22/2025Find out by answering these 10 questions.
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A monarch butterfly atop a green leaf.
Migration watch: Monarchs have landed in Illinois
4/17/2025We're charting migrations this season, announcing when a variety of species hit major milestones on their travels north.
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The pink blooms of an eastern redbud tree in a forest.
Pretty in pink: Eastern redbuds provide pop of color in spring landscape
4/15/2025Eastern redbuds are one of the first pops of color in the forest each spring, providing splashes of pink in the canopy before the green creeps in.
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A ruby-throated hummingbird perched on a hummingbird feeder.
Migration watch: Hummingbirds have landed in Will County
4/14/2025Get your hummingbird feeders out! The tiny birds have been spotted in Will County.
Current Headlines
Tiny creatures, big charm: Meet the artist behind the Becorns at Hidden Oaks
Becorns artist David M. Bird, a former Lego toy designer, shares how a pile of acorns sparked a whimsical world that deepened his connection to nature. In this short Q&A, Bird reflects on the magic of seeing the world through tiny eyes.
Put some sizzle in your summer with Fun and Food Trucks
Enjoy music, games, craft beer and local food at three summer Fun and Food Truck programs set in scenic forest preserves in Naperville, Florence Township near Wilmington, and Mokena. Each Friday evening offers a relaxed way to connect with nature and community.