Tom Bonderski saw lots of wildlife hunting in Jo Daviess County during the last portion of the late-winter deer season, including several wild turkeys.
Fri, January 24 at 08:40 AM
Readers continue the them¬¬e of wildlife in winter in this installment of Voices from the Wilderness.
Diane Theodor captured this squirrel in a pleading pose on her deck railing in Chatham.
“My squirrels usually sit with hands in a prayer position but the past few days this has changed to a ‘please pass the mittens’ pose,” Theodor said.
Nanette Phillips, who lives on the edge of Chatham, captured this downy woodpecker at a suet feeder decorated with icicles.
“I snapped some pictures of the downy woodpeckers birds feasting in this winter wonderland at our Chatham home,” she wrote. “Enjoy.”
Of course, everyone has to eat, including hawks.
Karen Alexander of Rochester photographed an adult Cooper’s hawk with its prey.
Notice the red eyes of the adult Cooper’s hawk. Juveniles have yellow eyes.
Lastly, Nate Isbell sent this picture of a northern cardinal brightening up a winter day in Peoria County.
We would like to share your pictures of hunting and fishing adventures, nature, landscapes and wildlife.
Send them to
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Please include some information, such as who is in the picture and where and when it was taken.
We will try to publish as many as possible in Voices from the Wilderness.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far.
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Birds of Illinois
Barred owls are common and very vocal. They also can be found living in town, especially in the vicinity of city parks. Photos by Chris Young
Birds of Illinois: barred owl
Common name: Barred owl
Scientific name: Strix varia
Habitat: Barred owls can be found in lowland areas and also in forested city parks.

Food: Barred owls are not as strong as great-horned owls. They only weigh about a pound or so, and they eat small mice, crayfish, frogs and other small prey.
Call: “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”

Thu, February 07 at 04:14 PM