The Buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A closeup of bluebell blossoms.
Five things you might not know about spring
3/18/2024Read moreWhen it comes to spring, there's so much to love. But there's also probably a lot you don't know about our most-anticipated season.
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A spider in its web surrounded by small insects caught in the web.
March 14 is Save a Spider Day, so be a savior instead of a squisher
3/13/2024Read moreFor Save a Spider Day, here are five reasons you should appreciate these creatures instead of despising them or, even worse, squishing them.
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A chorus frog with its throat outstretched.
Happening now: Chorus frogs are loudly seeking mates
3/13/2024Read moreIf you venture out into the preserves these days, there's a good chance you'll hear chorus frogs making a racket as they call out looking for a mate.
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A ruby-throated hummingbird perched on the tip of a branch.
Migration watch: Hummingbirds have landed in the U.S.
3/12/2024Read moreFor those of you eagerly anticipating the arrival of ruby-throated hummingbirds, you can start your countdown until they arrive in your neck of the woods because these tiny birds are on the move and have landed in the U.S.
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Two American woodcocks in the grass.
Happening now: Male woodcocks performing their elaborate courtship ritual
3/12/2024Read moreNow is the time to see woodcocks out in the preserves, and there's a lot to love about these birds — from the males' elaborate courtship ritual to their cute nicknames.
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The moon nearly covering the entire surface of the sun during an eclipse.
Are you ready for it? Total solar eclipse on the horizon
3/11/2024Read moreA total solar eclipse is a rare occurrence, so mark your calendar and hope for clear skies on April 8.
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A monarch butterfly rest on the purple flowers of wild bergamot.
Migration watch: Monarch butterflies have landed in the U.S.
3/11/2024Read moreWe're charting migrations this season, announcing when a variety of species hit major milestones on their travels north.
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A group of pelicans standing atop rocks in a river.
Happening now: Pelicans have returned to Will County
3/7/2024Read moreOne of the most anticipated events among birders each spring and fall is the arrival of the American white pelicans, and now is the time you'll once again start seeing these birds along waterways in the area.
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Two sandhill cranes flying overhead.
Migration watch: Sandhill cranes are heading north, so keep your eyes and ears peeled
3/1/2024Read moreIt's peak migration season for sandhill cranes, so don't be surprised if you hear their loud, bugling call overhead.
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A red-winged blackbird on a cattail with its mouth open.
Two words perfectly describe red-winged blackbirds: Feisty and familiar
2/29/2024Read moreSeveral birds are known for their aggressive behavior, but perhaps none as much as the red-winged blackbird, a bird that isn't afraid to pick on creatures much larger than itself.
Current Headlines
Section of Hickory Creek Bikeway to close for prescribed burn
A section of the western branch of the Hickory Creek Bikeway in Frankfort Township will be closed for a prescribed burn scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 19. The trail will be closed north of Hickory Creek Junction access area.
Recycle your fishing line to avoid injuring or killing wildlife
The Forest Preserve District has 30 fishing line recycling containers installed at fishing locations for anglers to properly dispose of their broken or unneeded monofilament. The goal is to eliminate fishing line from the environment and to protect wildlife in the preserves.