Decisions, decision! Your landscape could use some updating this year and what would be great shrub and small tree choices. First off, put native species at the top of your list. Here’s a few choices the author and some friends recommend.
You won’t hear a mama white pelican say to its youngster, “Don’t gulp your food.” A painted lady butterfly would never slurp; it daintily sips. Too big a bite or a mouth too full is not ever the case for a gray ratsnake. It’s fun to note creatures’ table manners as we go wildlife watching.
Looking into the shallows along the shoreline you spot several small fish. Perhaps they are juvenile fish, but it also is likely that you’ve noticed some minnows. Small and unassuming fish, minnows are both interesting and important. Let’s examine the family of fish known as minnows and three of the most common species found in aquatic habitats throughout Illinois.
It is a season of transition as winter wanes and signs of spring start popping up or winging into view. What are you seeing in your Outdoor Illinois? Read on to learn about seasonal activities of some of Illinois’ most iconic wildlife. Depending on your location in Illinois, some of the events reported may occur at different times. In this story, the seasonal activities reflect those observed primarily in the central part of the state.
Few fish in Illinois have captured anglers’ attention like the blue catfish. Known for their size, strength and toughness, blue catfish have gone from being little-known river residents to top targets in cooling lakes and large reservoirs. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has focused on learning about their natural history, ecological role and how they became a trophy fishery to provide better insights into this warm-water game fish.
Finding grassland bird nests is like the proverbial “needle in a haystack.” But researchers do take to the field to find them to assess how grassland management impacts birds, in both negative and positive manners. Author Heather Herakovich shares with readers what she learned about grassland bird nesting success in an area grazed by bison grazing and periodically burned.
