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Eastern phoebes show a preference for nesting in sheltered locations. They'll also refurbish and reuse their nests, often returning to the same site year after year. Credit: iStock/Carol Hamilton

Good Natured: Eastern Phoebes

Last month the St...

Cicadas are clumsy flyers that travel only short distances. To figure out whether you should expect Brood XIII periodical cicadas in your neighborhood this year, look back to 2007. If none existed then, they won't be there now either. Credit: V. Blaine

Good Natured: History of Periodical Cicadas Will Repeat Itself

Perhaps you've heard the adage, “Never let the truth get in the way o...

Periodical cicadas are predicted to emerge throughout northern Illinois in just a few weeks. But will their appearance live up to all the hype? Credit: Valerie Blaine

Good Natured: Periodical Cicadas

In just a few weeks, one of the year's biggest natural phenomena will...

2024 Earth Day celebrations are being held throughout Kane County.

Earth Day Celebrations in Kane County

Earth Day celebrations are taking place in a number of Kane County co...

As a female yellow-bellied sapsucker methodically drills her sapwells, two flies (left) arrive to inspect her progress and, soon, partake of a sweet treat. Credit: Banu R

Good Natured: Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

Ten years ago I purchased a small shelving unit built by a local craf...

Danger, yellow bullheads! Danger! The schreckstoff, or 'scary stuff' present in the skin cells of the fish in this heron's bill likely saved other bullheads from a similar fate.

Good Natured: Fish Alarm Chemicals

“Ist das nicht eine Schnitzelbank...

After being counted, measured and sexed, tiger salamanders in the St. Charles Park monitoring program are released in their breeding pond. The presence of a healthy population of salamanders is an indicator of a healthy habitat.

Good Natured: Salamander Season

My three-year-old self couldn't believe her eyes...

Odorous house ants' natural habitat is outdoors but, drawn by easy access to food and shelter, they often find their way into homes. Credit: Wirestock

Good Natured: Odorous House Ant Part 2

With Illinois' General Primary just around the corner, I'm inclined t...

Small bordering on teensy, Tapinoma sessile measures just under 1/8-in. in length. Pictured here next to a toothpick, it's an ant that shows up regularly in houses each spring.

Good Natured: Odorous House Ant

Every year or so, right around this time, the dedicated staff at Good...

Osprey are currently listed as threatened in Illinois. Photo credit: Adobe Stock/Lauren Swanson

Osprey-Nesting Platform Installed at Dick Young Forest Preserve

Exciting news...

Smaller than most geese, the Ross's goose is an unusual sighting in Kane County. Photo credits: Gordon Garcia

Good Natured: The Ross's Goose

It's that time of year again folks—spring waterfowl migration...

This hairy woodpecker, identified by the size of its bill rather than its plumage, this winter has been an infrequent visitor to a birdfeeder in Campton Township. Credit: Leslie Martin

Good Natured: Color Conundrum in Birds

Last week when we took a look at the life and times of the hairy wood...

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