The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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An indigo bunting with its wings outstretched in flight just after taking off from a tree snag.
Indigo buntings shine brightly in summer skies
5/7/2025We see plenty of blue birds here in northern Illinois, but none as brilliantly blue as the indigo bunting.
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A Cape May warbler perched at the end of a broken tree branch. Small spots of lichen dot the branch.
Warblers in the woods are one of spring's spectacles
5/2/2025Spring is a busy time for birds — and birders — as wave after wave of birds arrives locally. Included in the seasonal arrivals are the warblers, a group of tiny birds that flock to our forests.
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A river otter with just its head above the water.
Quiz: Can you ace this river otter quiz?
4/30/2025Test your knowledge on this 10-question quiz.
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A fennec fox laying in sand.
Wild Relatives: The fennec fox
4/22/2025Fennec foxes are the smallest fox species in the world, and they thrive in the extreme conditions of the Sahara Desert.
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A badger emerging from a hole in the ground.
Quiz: How much do you know about badgers?
4/22/2025Find out by answering these 10 questions.
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A monarch butterfly atop a green leaf.
Migration watch: Monarchs have landed in Illinois
4/17/2025We're charting migrations this season, announcing when a variety of species hit major milestones on their travels north.
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The pink blooms of an eastern redbud tree in a forest.
Pretty in pink: Eastern redbuds provide pop of color in spring landscape
4/15/2025Eastern redbuds are one of the first pops of color in the forest each spring, providing splashes of pink in the canopy before the green creeps in.
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A ruby-throated hummingbird perched on a hummingbird feeder.
Migration watch: Hummingbirds have landed in Will County
4/14/2025Get your hummingbird feeders out! The tiny birds have been spotted in Will County.
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A swarm of bees hanging from a tree branch.
Nature curiosity: Why do bees swarm?
4/14/2025Why do bees swarm? Because they've outgrown the hive.
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A snapping turtle on a trail.
It's time to slow your roll. Turtles are on the move for nesting season
4/10/2025Spring is a time when turtles are often on the move and at risk of being hit by cars. If you can safely move a turtle across a road, here's how to do it.
Current Headlines
Independence Day holiday closures announced
Most Forest Preserve visitor centers will be closed at noon Thursday, July 3, and all day Friday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Bait shop hours will vary. Preserves, trails and dog parks will remain open.
'Into the Wild' art exhibit blends nature and creativity
The “Into the Wild Art Exhibition” runs July 5 through Aug. 30 at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook. The free exhibit showcases nature-themed art by local artists from the Nature Artists' Guild of The Morton Arboretum. Visitors can vote for their favorite pieces.