Rose-breasted grosbeaks are striking black and white birds with rose-colored chests, seen in Illinois during breeding season. Only adult males have the rosy chest. Females and young are streaky brown. They eat seeds, insects, and fruit, nesting in trees with both sexes caring for the young. Their song is sweet like a robin’s, and their “eek” call sounds like a gym shoe squeak. Other grosbeaks exist in North America, but few are seen regularly in Illinois.

Synanthropes are wild animals and plants that thrive alongside humans in cities and suburbs. Examples include raccoons, crows, cellar spiders, and dandelions. Unlike pets or livestock, they live independently but benefit from human activity. Many, like raccoons and crows, are clever scavengers. Some, like cellar spiders, may not survive without us. These urban species are all around—just remember to observe them safely from a distance.

Mosquitoes may be pesky, but they play important roles like pollinating plants and feeding animals. Only females bite, using scent and heat to find us. Bug sprays use ingredients like DEET, picaridin, and natural oils to mask our scent or repel insects. Insecticides kill bugs but can harm helpful species, while repellents keep bugs away safely. For outdoor fun, wear light clothes and apply bug spray properly for bite-free adventures.

Not all bees make honey or live in hives, and honeybees aren’t native to the U.S. They were brought from Europe in the 1600s and spread across the country. Honeybees have a long history, with fossils dating back 34 million years. Humans began beekeeping over 10,000 years ago. Today, honeybees are key pollinators for many crops. A fossil found in Nevada shows honeybees once lived in North America long before European settlers arrived.

Try a nighttime scavenger hunt to discover things you can only see or hear after dark like stars, bats, fireflies, glowing animal eyes and insect calls. Turn it into a team challenge with flashlights and silly selfies. Explore forest preserves or camp overnight for even more fun under the stars.

Stars look tiny and twinkle because we see them from far away through Earth’s atmosphere, which bends their light. The sun looks bigger because it’s closer to us. Stars vary in size, with some much larger than the sun. Planets can also appear to twinkle as they reflect sunlight. For the best stargazing, head somewhere dark and open. Apps can help identify stars, and local events offer chances to explore the night sky.

Cicadas are loud insects with unique anatomy. They have an exoskeleton, six legs, four wings, antennae, compound eyes, and a beak for sipping plant juices. Males make sound using tymbals—ribbed organs that click when flexed. Air sacs amplify the sound, which can be as loud as a lawnmower. They call to attract mates, express distress, or say “leave me alone.” Despite no lungs or vocal cords, their body design makes them some of the loudest insects on Earth.

The eastern musk turtle, or stinkpot turtle, is one of the smallest turtles in the world, growing just 2 to 5 inches long. It prefers walking in shallow water, can climb low branches, and is most active at dawn and dusk. As an indicator species, its presence helps scientists understand water quality. Despite its size, it’s defensive—able to bite from birth and release a foul smell when threatened.