The buzz

With its crimson cap and stunning black and white wings, the red-headed woodpecker is a beauty among birds.

Each night as darkness falls, we begin to wind down our day, eventually settling in for sleep. For many animals, however, these same cues that signal the end of our day mean it’s time to start theirs.

Only ruins remain of the Joliet Iron Works, but thanks to a historic aerial photo, we can see the heart and soul of the steel mill prior to it being dismantled.

The 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?

It 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. 

Ever 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.

The 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. 

In its former life, the preserve now known as Rock Run Rookery used to be much less spectacular.

These sly creatures are skilled hunters and adaptable to many habitats and environments, including rural, suburban and urban areas.

While 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