Over the past year and a half or so, when not chasing after snakes or bugs or paperwork, I’ve busied myself with a series of do-it-yourself home-improvement projects. There was last year’s Painting of the Bedroom, which took about two weeks to complete. Then came The Laying of the Laminate, an endeavor that involved the
Critter, Rodentia, Squirrels
Pam’s Perspective Pam Otto is the Manager of Nature Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District The holidays are just around the corner, and with them come plans for parties large and small. If you’re hosting a bash, chances are you’ve got a pretty good idea of who might be showing up,
Birds, Fly, Winter BirdsPam’s Perspective Pam Otto is the Manager of Nature Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District So, how do you get ready for winter? Have you dug out the long unders? Pulled on that favorite sweater? Put the turtles in the fridge? Okay, so maybe a naturalist’s winter preparation rituals are a
Blanding Turtles, Emydoidea blandingii, Reptile
Pam’s Perspective Pam Otto is the Manager of Nature Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District Fall is in full swing these days, with animals everywhere getting ready for the winter that lies ahead. Birds are migrating; mammals are storing fat and/or food—I personally can vouch for that one. And the hornworms
Caterpillars, Hornworm, Moth
Pam’s Perspective Pam Otto is the Manager of Nature Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District Fall is in full swing these days, with animals everywhere getting ready for the winter that lies ahead. Birds are migrating; mammals are storing fat and/or food—I personally can vouch for that one. And the hornworms
Caterpillars, Hornworm, MothPam’s Perspective Pam Otto is the Manager of Nature Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District Turkey vultures are the sorts of birds that command attention. For one, they’re vultures—dark-feathered and hunchbacked, they look vaguely creepy even under the best of circumstances. For another, they’re big—their 6-ft. wingspan rivals that of the
Birds, Fly, Turkey VulturePam’s Perspective Pam Otto is the Manager of Nature Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District Working as a park safety officer for the St. Charles Park District, patrolling our public lands late into the night, Tim Timberlake has had plenty of close encounters. But only recently did he come across a
Fly, Northern Flying Squirrel, Rodentia
Pam’s Perspective Pam Otto is the Manager of Nature Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District Certain signs of fall are unmistakable. The changing colors of the leaves, the moving masses of migratory geese. And the persistent, almost petulant, calls of young red-tailed hawks being asked—actually, more like told—to leave the family
Bird, Fly, Red Tailed HawkLong ago, the story goes, a newlywed couple was found murdered in their beds. Although the crime was never solved, the primary suspect was the bride’s sister Katy. And to this day, so they say, Kate’s fate is debated by one of summer’s most famous singing insects: “Katy did.” “Katy didn’t.” “Yes she did.” “No
Bug, Insect, Katydid
Pam’s Perspective Pam Otto is the Manager of Nature Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District When a headliner comes to town, people usually flock from miles around hoping for a chance to see to see him or her. Add the term “limited-time only” and the crowds can get downright fanatical. But
Emeral Ash Borer, Insect, Invader