The fluff in this photo is milkweed floss, carried up to a vacated bird nest by an industrious mouse. Buoyant, soft and water resistant, milkweed…
Milkweed Floss
Goldenrod Galls Part Two
Round galls on the stems of goldenrod are the work of the goldenrod gall fly, Eurosta solidaginis, while elliptical galls are created by a moth,…
Goldenrod Galls Part One
Inside this gumball-sized sphere, a goldenrod gall fly larva will spend the winter in diapause—insects’ version of hibernation.
Cooper’s Hawks
Mature Cooper’s hawks are blue-gray above with orangish bars across the breast and a prominent ‘Cooper’s cap’ of darker feathers on top of the head.…
Third Eyelids
Timing is everything! This unique photo depicts a red-tailed hawk’s nictitating membrane, or third eyelid, as it passes horizontally across the eye.
Hornworm Pupa
This hornworm pupa displays a prominent proboscis and wing pads-interesting in and of themselves, but even more so considering that neither feature is present on…
Kane County Certified Naturalists
The Kane County Certified Naturalist program attracts adult learners from all walks of life.
Jack-o’-lantern Fungi
Jack-o’-lantern mushrooms have many fine qualities, but edibility isn’t one of them. While not deadly, the symptoms it induces are described as ‘making one wish…
Polyphemus Caterpillar
Polyphemus caterpillars-as well as the caterpillars of many other moth and butterfly species-spend the winter among downed leaves-a great reason to “leave the leaves” until…
Icarus Flies Free
Icarus the red-tailed hawk, rendered flightless and nearly featherless by a landfill flame, today is fully recovered and flying free.