The tracks that proceed straight down the middle of this sidewalk show how, especially in winter, coyotes can be masters of efficiency. Not as step was wasted as the individual moved from north (top of photo) to south. Economy of Motion January 26, 2018 The other night my dog Joey and I decided to take
Season, Tracks, Winter
Try a visit to Pure Kane! Illinois is known as the Prairie State and has as much to offer as the state of Michigan, which has benefitted from Pure Michigan, a long-running ad campaign championed by actor Tim Allen. (Photo credit: Jeanette Joy) Visit Pure Kane! September 29, 2017 If you listen to the radio
Fall, Nature, Season
Woodpecker species in our area have begun drumming, an annual sign that their breeding season has begun. The loud, staccato pounding is used to declare territory; it is distinctly different from the softer pecking sounds the birds create when excavating a nest cavity or foraging for food. Photo credit: Robert Burton, US Fish & Wildlife
Nature, Season, Spring
January 1, 2016 Looking ahead to a shiny new year Any way you look at it, the holidays are a shiny time of year. Twinkling decorations shimmer in yards and windows; nights—some of them, anyway—are clear and starry; and this past Christmas, for the first time in 38 years, we were treated to a full
Holidays, New Year, Season
Well folks, the race is on. Not NASCAR at Talladega—that’s not til a week from tomorrow. Nor the Cubs’ race for the National League pennant. (But golly, wouldn’t it be something if they went the distance?) Nope, this week’s topic is The Race to the Finish. That is, the rush for animals to finish all
Race, Season, Winter
How good are you at reading signs? I think most of us would agree that red octagons mean stop, yellow diamonds mean caution, and orange signs signal that everyone’s favorite season, road construction, has returned. But have you noticed that other signs too are popping up, right and left? They’re subtle, yet oddly familiar, and
Nature, Season, Spring
Pam’s Perspective From the… Pam Otto is the Manager of Natural Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District March 8, 2013 After a week of winter weather, what could be more welcome than some signs of spring? The forecast calls for rain—not snow—and the clocks are changing tonight, so right off the
Nature, Season, SpringPam’s Perspective From the… Pam Otto is the Manager of Natural Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District February 15, 2013 If you look at the world through Hallmark-tainted glasses, you might be tempted to believe the February is the month of love. Certainly if you venture into a supermarket or gift
February, Season, Winter
March 16, 2012 This past week has to be one for the record books—in terms of temperatures, for sure, but also in terms of the number of times I tried, and failed, to document for you the signs of spring that literally are all around us. The first attempt was on Tuesday. Walking out by
Nature, Season, Spring
March 12, 2012 Even though this winter has been anything but wintry, I think it’s safe to say we’re all in the mood for spring. In honor of this spring-forward weekend, and to maybe take your mind off the hour you’re about to lose, try to find a few minutes to take in these undeniable
Nature, Season, Spring