The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A snapping turtle on the trail
Creature feature: The powerful snapping turtle
4/10/2019Read moreThe snapping turtle isn't hunted by many animals, but it does face many risks in the wild, including being hit by cars and having their nests hunted.
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A ruby-throated hummingbird at a feeder
The recipe for success with hummingbird feeders: Sugar and water
4/4/2019Read moreSeeing hummingbirds in the wild is a true delight, and you can attract these tiny birds to your own yard by stocking hummingbirds with food made simply by mixing sugar and boiling water.
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Sandhill cranes flying overhead
Nature curiosity: How do migratory birds know where to go?
4/1/2019Read moreMany birds travel hundreds if not thousands of miles twice each year during their migration with no map to guide them. How do they know what route to take?
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A red-headed woodpecker drumming on a tree
The telltale sights — and sounds — that woodpeckers are living nearby
3/29/2019Read moreWoodpeckers leave both visual and auditory clues of their presence, and with a good eye and a good ear you can see and hear the signs.
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Man watched a prescribed burn
Nature curiosity: What happens to the animals during a prescribed burn?
3/26/2019Read moreThe animals may seem most vulnerable to the flames in a prescribed burn, but the burns are planned in a way to minimize danger.
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Great blue heron flies low over the water
Creature feature: The gangly and graceful great blue heron
3/21/2019Read moreWith their long legs and necks and striking plumage, great blue herons somehow manage to be both gangly and graceful all at once. These birds are commonly seen throughout Will County, particularly near water.
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A side by side comparison of a downy woodpecker and hairy woodpecker
What's the difference?: Downy woodpeckers vs. hairy woodpeckers
3/11/2019Read moreCan you tell the difference between a downy woodpecker and a hairy woodpecker? Here are a few clues to help distinguish these two look-alikes from one another.
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A white great horned owl in a tree
Why is this great horned owl white?
3/7/2019Read moreWhite birds are fairly common in the wild, with some swans, egrets, gulls and even owls known for their snow-colored plumage. But what about white birds that should be a distinctly different color, such as a white cardinal, hawk or great horned owl?
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A red squirrel on the ground
Some squirrels are lucky enough to inherit a fortune in food stores, study shows
3/5/2019Read moreAccording to a recent study, red squirrels can inherit wealth just like humans. But for the squirrels, inherited wealth comes in the form of food stores of squirrels that have died.
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An opossum on the ground
Creature feature: Opossums are nature's pest control
3/1/2019Read moreOpossums are so ugly that they're cute, but beyond their appearances we should appreciate them for their amazing pest control abilities.
Current Headlines
Lambs Woods closed, trees down in preserves after Monday's storm
Lambs Woods Preserve in Lockport is closed due to a large tree blocking the parking lot after Monday's storm. Also, trees are down and partially blocking trails in other preserves. The cleanup is underway and preserve visitors are urged to use caution as the work continues.
Everyone is welcome at Four Rivers for All Abilities on July 24
Enjoy an outing for people of all abilities at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center during Four Rivers for All Abilities on July 24. Take part in hands-on activities, tour the building and enjoy being in nature as a family, group or individual.