The buzz

Woodpeckers 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. 

The animals may seem most vulnerable to the flames in a prescribed burn, but the burns are planned in a way to minimize danger.

With 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.

Can 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.

White 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?

According 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. 

Opossums are so ugly that they're cute, but beyond their appearances we should appreciate them for their amazing pest control abilities. 

Can a bird survive with a broken beak? It often depends on where the injury is and how severe it is, as well as whether the bird can still eat.

The American woodcock is related to the sandpiper, but you wouldn't know it based on its behavior. Woodcocks are known for their unusual antics, including elaborate and sometimes noisy "sky dances" and a weird walk to help them find food.

Spending time outdoors is good for you, but what if you didn't grow up with a love of nature? Can you develop an appreciation for it as an adult? You can, according to a recent study.