The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A female and male cardinal perched on a branch with snow falling around them.
Myth buster: No two snowflakes are alike? Very likely, but it's hard to prove
1/9/2025Every snowflake is unique, or at least as best as we can figure out. It's probably true that no two snowflakes are alike, but the sheer number of snowflakes makes it virtually impossible to determine with certainty.
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A bald eagle soaring in the air with its wings outstretched and its mouth open.
Quiz: Are you a bald eagle expert?
1/2/2025Test your knowledge to see how much you really know about these amazing birds.
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A mink standing on a log sticking out of the water.
Quiz: Test your knowledge on the American mink
12/30/2024Test your knowledge on these little-known creatures.
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A red-headed woodpecker on a tree trunk with its head turned away.
Quiz: Are you a red-headed woodpecker whiz?
12/22/2024Find out by answering these 10 questions.
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A gray squirrel on a bare tree branch.
Quiz: What's your gray squirrel IQ?
12/17/2024Find out by answering these 10 questions.
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A winter stonefly on snow.
Winter stoneflies flourish in frigid winter weather
12/12/2024While most insects aren't active during the coldest time of year, the winter stonefly is a notable exception. These insects thrive in the frigid air and icy waters of winter.
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A belted kingfisher perched on a wire.
Quiz: What's your belted kingfisher IQ?
12/9/2024Find out on this 10-question quiz.
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A female and male mallard in the water.
Five fast facts about the mallard, our most well-known duck
12/5/2024Mallards are the quintessential duck — the species that comes to mind when thinking about ducks. Here's your chance to learn all about them.
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A least weasel standing under a fall branch near a shoreline.
Small but mighty weasels pack a carnivorous punch
12/3/2024Two weasel species live in Illinois, but you're not likely to come across either of them even in areas where they are common.
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A red fox jumping in the grass.
Quiz: Are you as clever as a red fox?
12/2/2024Find out by answering these 10 questions.
Current Headlines
Be a Trailblazer turns outdoor fun into a family affair
Liz Lyons of New Lenox has turned the Forest Preserve District’s Be a Trailblazer challenge into a fun-filled family tradition. From dancing in the rain to spotting tiny critters on the trail, challenge missions have become cherished memories.
Wild Science: Rare mussel search in Will County aids DuPage restocking effort
Forest preserve staff from Will and DuPage counties recently searched a Will County creek for rare mussels to support a native species restoration project. The collaboration could help reintroduce the ellipse mussel to DuPage waterways, where it has disappeared.