Nature

Curly and colorful, the opening leaf buds of the shagbark hickory sometimes are mistaken for exotic flowers in bloom.

Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in Will County this weekend, from Shakespeare to 5K.

Sitting there on the concrete step was one Virginia rail that was hard to miss.

Head outdoors this weekend to two different car shows and the forest preserve's migration celebration. Check out a guitar and percussion concert and stock up on inexpensive books.

The state recommends the use of bird feeders and bird baths cease through May 31, or until bird flu infections in the Midwest subside.

Although some believe Camp Fire is a form of scouting, Crest Hill chapter leader Jen Johnson said the programs have key differences.

Events in Will County this weekend also include three opportunities to enjoy rock music or comedy.

You don’t have to look too far to find some outstanding examples of animal moms delivering true life-or-death behavioral displays, all in the name of protecting their young.

Events in Will County this weekend also include an opportunity to meet local authors, check ouit an art exhibit and enjoy a life performance.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources suggests people stop using use of bird feeders and bird baths cease through May 31 or until bird infections in the Midwest subside.

If you enjoy the challenge of finding flowers that are just a little out of the ordinary, add hepatica to your list of Things to See This Spring.

Whereas most sparrows are content to pick seeds from a feeder, or delicately scratch on the ground below, fox sparrows actually do their own version of The Twist.

Local school children will also have the opportunity to participate in a Coloring Contest.

We’ll probably never know the twist of fate that brought the bird to that pond, but I do know the sight of it brought back fond memories of summers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Research shows that as spring temperatures have warmed, tree swallows today are nesting an average of nine days earlier than pairs in the 1960s, when breeding bird data collection began.