Last week the mystery and allure of the Geneva Snake grew too strong to resist; I had to go check things out for myself. And while the snake itself proved elusive, I did see lots of other cool things: Argiope (a.k.a. “garden” or “banana”) spiders’ intricate work—delicate webs complete with a trademark “zipper” in the
Beetles, Bugs, Insects, Water Scavenger Beetles
If you’ve ever visited Hickory Knolls during the months of May, June or July, you’ve probably noticed a certain bubbliness in the air, a constant, cheerful chatter that surrounds the nature center and garden plots. Long-time residents will recognize the sound as a distinguishing feature of this area, one that dates back to the days
Bird, Fly, Purple Martin
Maybe you’ve heard, a snake caused quite a stir in the TriCities this past week. Following a lead story on NBC-5 News that reported a Deadly Snake on the Loose in Geneva, I received no fewer than a dozen phone calls, text messages and emails expressing a variety of sentiments. They ranged, on the mild
Reptile, Snake, Water Snake
Odd creatures roam our streets by night. Sidewalks too. And driveways, and front and back steps–especially those with lights. With big eyes, and bellies to match, these beasts are hungry. They’ll stop at nothing in their quest for prey. But before we cause too much alarm, I should probably clarify a couple things. These animals
Amphibian, Green, Toad
Last year we took a Good Natured look at the mayfly, one of a cast of assorted characters often lumped together under the generic term “river bugs.” We talked about the delicate beauty of the adults; the fleeting nature of that final life phase; and the insect’s vital role in local food chains. We also
Bug, Insect, Mayfly
August 7, 2015 The Wool-Carder Bee A male European wool-carder bee takes a break from buzzing and surveys his territory from a prominent post—a lambs ear flower. I got quite the buzz while working in the garden the other day. No, I’m not growing anything illegal. And there weren’t any adult beverages involved either. I
Bee, Bug, Insect, Wool Carder Bee
February 27, 2015 Bird Tracks Good Natured readers Stephanie Frisque and John Kowal of Batavia shared this photo of two young hummingbirds, alive and well, thanks to some quick thinking…and duct tape. Mythbusters, the TV show that debunks rumors, legends and pseudo-scientific claims, once did an episode on the many uses of duct tape. To
Bird, Fly, Frisque Hummers, Hummingbird
February 27, 2015 Bird Tracks A female midland painted turtle, Chrysemys picta marginata, showed up unexpectedly last week in the Hickory Knolls turtle pond, threatening the well-being of the endangered Blanding’s turtles that reside there. I’m not gonna lie, we like to have fun here at the ‘Knolls. Even though the duties can be demanding
Reptile, Shell, Turtles
February 27, 2015 Bird Tracks I can still remember my first dobsonfly. The date was July of 2002. The place, Red Oak Nature Center in North Aurora. The insect was contained within a two-quart Tupperware bowl–with holes poked in the lid for ventilation. The woman carrying it clearly was unsettled, her voice quavering as she
Bug, Dobsonfly, Insect
February 27, 2015 Bird Tracks A young painted turtle was one of many creatures discovered by participants in the St. Charles Park District’s Rod N Reel nature camp. It’s been said, on bumper stickers as well as refrigerator magnets, wooden plaques other sources of sage advice, that a bad day of fishing is better than
Hickory Knolls, Nature Camp, Turtle