Mmmmm. Pie. Is there anything more delectably satisfying than a nice pie? My own preferences run toward a double-crust fruity variety, with the top five…
Joe-Pye Weed
Mantidflies
So the other day I went to Delnor Woods Park in St. Charles to take some photos of Joe Pye weed, a favorite summertime bloom.…
Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels
“That’s not a chipmunk.” The astute visitor, wise beyond his 4 1/2 years, stubbornly stood by his resolution, while his companions (people who, I’m guessing,…
Toads
A female American toad, drawn by the trilling calls of ardent male suitors, makes her way to a shallow breeding pool created by recent rains.
Wool-Carder Bees
I got quite the buzz while working in the garden the other day. No, I’m not growing the devil’s lettuce. And I wasn’t slaking my…
Queen Snakes
Except for one time, nearly 35 years ago, when I found myself eating ice cream in a supermarket with Prince Andrew and his then-wife Sarah,…
Rusty Crayfish
Did you ever have one of those days where you’ve found yourself feeling a little, well, rusty? I have, more than I care to think…
Crayfish ‘Berry’ Season
Who doesn’t love a good berry? Strawberries! Raspberries! Blueberries! Crayfish-berries? Yes folks, it’s that time of year again. Crayfish are breeding, and many females are…
Pawpaws
So last week visited a place I’ve heard about my entire life, but had never actually seen-at least not in Illinois. It wasn’t the Mountain…
Spittlebugs
We’ve all heard the saying, “Snug as a bug in a rug.” But this time of year I often find myself adding, “Some bugs are…