Willy's Wilderness

Meet Nature's Dance Off Champion: The American Woodcock

What in the world is a Woodcock? An American Woodcock is a shorebird that thought the shore was overrated. These small plump short-legged...

Snowy Owls Live Up to Their Name

If you take one look at a snowy owl, you can probably guess how they got their name. These snowy-white birds can be a beautiful sight,...

Have You Ever Seen a Vole?

You probably know many of Will County’s resident rodents. We have beavers, squirrels, chipmunks, rats, mice, and woodchucks. But one of...

Groundhogs Go By Many Different Names

In honor of Groundhog Day and our mascot, Willy, here is a closer look at groundhogs. The groundhog becomes a celebrity once a year, when...

Butt-Breathing Snapping Turtles Are a Real Gas

Snapping Turtles bring new meaning to the words “butt breath.” But in this case it’s not an insult; it’s a way to survive! When you...

Red Foxes: The Silent Hunters

At first glance, the red fox looks like an animal you might have as a pet at home, but these creatures are designed to live in the wild....

Beavers Are Big, Busy Rodents

If anyone has ever told you that you’re busy as a beaver, they definitely know at least a little something about these crafty critters....

Wild Turkeys Aren't Just for Thanksgiving

Turkey will probably be on the menu for your Thanksgiving feast, but these birds aren’t just a source of food for us. They’re our...

Meet the Fast Flying Merlin

Despite a name to the contrary, there’s nothing magical or mysterious about merlin falcons. The Merlin falcon has a name that sounds a...

Turkey Vultures Are Nature's Clean-Up Crew

They'll eat things that would make you sick. Nobody will ever say turkey vultures are the prettiest bird they have ever seen. But they...

An Up-Close Look at Praying Mantises

Praying mantises are a common insect in Illinois, but their excellent camouflage means we often don’t see them even when they are near....

The Big, Beautiful and Loud Sandhill Crane

Sandhill cranes are a magnificent sight. Sandhill cranes are big, majestic birds. They have long legs and necks to make them stand tall,...