Willy's Wilderness

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Feb 11, 2020
3 min

Do-Do-Do You Know About the Chickadee-Dee-Dee?

Looking for signs of life in February? Check out a bird feeder or look out the window. You’ll be delighted to see all kinds of birds...

Jan 28, 2020
4 min

Oh, Deer: These Beloved Creatures Now Abundant in Illinois

The sight of a deer in the distance often makes us stop in our tracks to admire these creatures from afar. But be still and quiet,...

Jan 24, 2020
1 min

You Might Recognize This Woodpecker From TV

Did you know the animated cartoon character Woody the Woodpecker shares many of the same characteristics as a pileated woodpecker? Better...

Dec 31, 2019
2 min

Love Them Or Hate Them, Raccoons Are Crafty Critters

Raccoons are one of the most common animals in Illinois. They are nocturnal, which means they are active at night. We don’t often see...

Dec 23, 2019
2 min

The Mysterious Muskrat Abounds in Illinois

Have you ever heard of a muskrat? Maybe, but have you ever seen one? Muskrats are a common animal in Illinois, but they aren’t seen as...

Dec 13, 2019
2 min

We're Crazy About Cardinals

The northern cardinal is probably the most recognizable bird in Illinois. The male cardinals sport a bright red coat that doesn’t fade,...

Nov 27, 2019
2 min

The Unusual Habits of Turkey Vultures

Have you spotted a big bird sitting on your roof or a telephone pole or flying overhead? Do you know what kind of bird it is? A hawk...

Nov 21, 2019
2 min

American White Pelicans Are Welcome Visitors

The American white pelican will catch your eye because of its snowy white feathers and bright orange feet and bills. The birds don’t live...

Nov 14, 2019
2 min

Get To Know The American Mink

Many people are surprised to discover that the American mink resides in Will County, but as long as there is a source of water, minks are...

Oct 31, 2019
2 min

Queen Snake Is Royalty In Name Only

A snake with a royal name may make you think it’s special or out of the ordinary, but queen snakes are actually quite common. They are...

Oct 22, 2019
3 min

Chipmunks Scurrying Around To Prepare for Winter

Welcome fall! The animals in Will County are using this time to get ready for winter. Groundhogs, deer, squirrels and chipmunks all start...

Sep 19, 2019
2 min

The Bold Osprey Was Built To Hunt

An osprey isn’t like the birds you probably see in your back yard. It’s bigger, and it soars high up in the air looking for its next...

Sep 17, 2019
3 min

These Insects Are Masters of Camouflage

Did that stick just move? Your eyes may not be not tricking you! You may have been lucky enough to see a walking stick insect. More than...

Sep 5, 2019
2 min

This Snake Is Equally at Home in Water and on Land

Maybe you’ve seen a snake slithering along on the ground, but did you know some snakes live in the water? Illinois is home to several...

Aug 29, 2019
2 min

Harmless Daddy Long Legs Aren't Spiders At All

More than 6,000 species of daddy long legs exist in the world, with 235 in North America and 19 species right here in Illinois. Daddy...

Aug 15, 2019
2 min

The Crafty Killdeer

Killdeer are a common bird in the United States, and they live all across our country. They are shorebirds, which means they live near...

Jul 30, 2019
1 min

The Boisterous Bullfrog Makes Quite a Racket

You may have learned that frogs say ribbit, but that isn’t exactly true of the American bullfrog. Bullfrogs are named for the loud sound...

Jul 23, 2019
2 min

River Otters Are Built To Swim

River otters are so much fun to watch. It’s almost like they are putting on an acrobatic show in the water! We don’t see river otters too...

Jul 9, 2019
2 min

Fireflies Are Brightening Up the Night Sky

Lightning bug season is here, and these glowing bugs are the perfect reason to ask your parents if you can stay up past your bedtime....

Jun 28, 2019
2 min

When Ants Go Marching, They Have Work To Do

Have you ever drawn a chalk circle around an ant to stop it in its tracks? It works, but only temporarily. This chalk trick works because...

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