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.