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In winter, darkness comes early, so humans and nocturnal animals like barred owls may be active at the same time. Barred owls don’t build nests—they reuse abandoned ones or tree cavities to raise owlets. With keen eyesight, sharp hearing, and silent flight, they hunt rodents, frogs, fish, and more. Barred owls can instantly crush prey with their grip that can be up to 5 times stronger than a human’s. Their call, “Who cooks for you?” marks their territory.

Frost is a thin ice layer forming on surfaces at or below 32°F, often seen on grass and cars after clear, calm nights. It can form even if air temperatures are above freezing because ground-level air can be colder. The most common frost, radiation frost or hoarfrost, happens when water vapor turns directly into ice. Frost usually melts or evaporates after sunrise as the sun warms the surfaces.

Crows are often misunderstood but are intelligent, social birds with important environmental roles. They disperse seeds, clean up dead carcasses, and even hold "funerals" to assess danger. Crows recognize human faces, hold grudges, and sometimes give gifts. They gather in huge flocks, especially in winter, and can use scraps as tools to get food. Some, like New Caledonian crows, are among the smartest animals, showing complex problem-solving skills.

Even in winter, nature is full of surprises—like lichen! Lichen isn’t a plant but a mix of fungus, algae, and sometimes cyanobacteria living together. It grows on trees, rocks, benches, and more, needing only air and sunlight. Lichen helps create soil and supports other life. Bundle up and go on a lichen hunt! Bring a magnifier, camera, and field guide to explore this tiny, colorful world all around you.

Winter stoneflies are hardy insects that emerge as adults during the cold months, mating and laying eggs on icy waters. Found in clean, unpolluted streams, they’re a sign of healthy water. Though small and drab, they’re well-adapted to winter with antifreeze-like body fluids and clever behaviors. Their presence, or even the empty shells they leave behind, is a reason to celebrate nature’s resilience in winter!

Owls hoot to communicate when trying to defend territory, warn others of danger, or when attracting mates. Most are crepuscular or nocturnal, hooting at night, dawn, or dusk. Their calls fall into one of three categories: hoots, toots, or screeches. Each species sounds unique: great horned owls hoot softly, barred owls ask, “Who cooks for you?”, and barn owls shriek. With practice, you can ID them by sound.

The moon looks different each night because sunlight illuminates it from different angles. Every 29½ days, it appears full when Earth is between the moon and sun. As the moon grows brighter, it is waxing; after the full moon, it wanes as it gets darker. Though some believe the full moon affects behavior, science has not proven this.

Bald eagles are a well-known symbol of the United States, serving as our country's national emblem and national bird. The golden eagle may not be a traditional symbol of America, but other countries have adopted it as one. The golden eagle serves as the national symbol of Albania, Austria, Germany, Kazakhstan and Mexico.

Wood ducks are colorful, tree-loving ducks found in quiet, vegetated waterways. Males are brightly patterned, while females are more subtle. They nest in tree cavities, and their ducklings leap from nests soon after hatching. Wood ducks may have two broods per year and sometimes raise eggs laid by other females. Unlike mallards, they don’t quack—males whistle and females squeak. Males lose their bright colors after breeding, while females stay the same year-round.

Alligator gar are ancient fish with sharp teeth, tough scales, and poisonous eggs. They can grow up to 10 feet long and over 300 pounds, making them Illinois’ largest fish. These night-hunting predators can breathe both in water and air. Once extinct in Illinois, they are being reintroduced through conservation efforts. Sightings help scientists track their success, so report any you see.

Sandhill cranes are one of the oldest bird species on Earth, with fossils dating back 2.5 million years. They stand up to 4 feet tall with a wingspan over 5 feet. In Illinois, they are mostly seen during spring and fall migrations, though some breed here in summer. Their loud call can be heard from up to 2.5 miles away.

The common loon, not a songbird or duck, is known for its haunting calls: wails to locate others, yodels to defend territory, tremolos to signal presence or fear, and soft hoots used between family. Loons prefer large, clear lakes and are expert divers with dense bones to catch fish quietly. Though rare in Will County, their eerie calls are common in northern woods and often heard in movies set in forests.

You can estimate temperature by counting cricket chirps. According to Dolbear’s law, count the number of chirps in 15 seconds and add 40 to get the temperature in Fahrenheit. Crickets chirp faster in warmer weather because they are cold-blooded. Only male crickets chirp to attract mates, using a method called stridulation—rubbing wing parts together. This method works best between 55 and 100 degrees and varies by species and other factors.

Illinois is home to both red and gray foxes. Gray foxes are smaller, have gray fur with rusty red markings, and are most common in southern Illinois and near major rivers. They live in wooded areas and can climb trees. As omnivores, they mostly eat rabbits but also consume mice, insects, fruit and plants. Gray foxes breed in winter, and their young, born in spring, stay with their parents until about 4 months old.

Turkey vultures and black vultures help clean the environment by eating dead animals. Turkey vultures are more common in northern Illinois and have red heads and dark brown feathers. Black vultures have black heads and black feathers with white wing tips. Turkey vultures use smell to find food while black vultures rely on sight. Though turkey vultures are bigger, black vultures often work together to compete for food.

Oak trees are vital keystone species that support more life than any other tree in North America. They are among the longest-living trees in the world and provide food, shelter, and habitat to wildlife such as caterpillars. White oaks drop acorns yearly; red oaks, every other year. Oaks live for centuries and are known to be symbols of strength. Only 1 in 1,000 acorns becomes a tree, but the rest feed wildlife. Oak trees also played key roles in history, shipbuilding, and cul

Shooting stars are actually meteors, which are space rocks burning as they fall through Earth’s atmosphere. If a rock survives the fall and lands, it is called a meteorite. When Earth passes through a comet’s debris, we get a meteor shower. Major showers include the Perseids, Orionids, Geminids, and Lyrids. To see them best, go to a dark area away from city lights, let your eyes adjust, and watch the sky.

Wolves and coyotes are wild canines often confused due to similar looks. Wolves are larger, with blockier snouts, smaller ears, and elevated tails when walking. Coyotes are smaller, have pointed snouts and ears, and droop their tails. Wolves once lived in Illinois but are now rare. Coyotes are common across Illinois and North America. Wolves were removed from the endangered species list in 2020 and may be removed from the Illinois list in 2025.

Illinois is the top pumpkin-growing state in the U.S., with Will County among the top 10 producers. Though native to Central America, pumpkins are now widely grown here. They are fruits from the cucurbit family, which also includes cucumbers, squash and melons. The word pumpkin comes from the Greek word for large melon. Pumpkin flesh is used in pies, breads and soups, while the seeds are often roasted for a snack.

American white pelicans migrate through Will County each spring and fall, stopping to rest and feed. These large birds have 9-foot wingspans and use thermals to soar. Their long beaks grow a seasonal bump during mating, and their throat pouch helps them scoop fish and stay cool. Pelicans often hunt cooperatively by corralling fish. Many stop at the confluence near Four Rivers, where up to 900 have been seen during fall migration.