Notes from around Chicago outdoors and beyond.
WILD OF THE WEEK
Bradley Burmeister sent this photo by George Terzakis of red foxes, “just hanging out in Blue Island.”
WOTW, the celebration of wild stories and photos around Chicago outdoors, runs most weeks in the special two-page outdoors section in the Sun-Times Sports Saturday. To make submissions, email BowmanOutside@gmail.com or contact me on Facebook (Dale Bowman), Twitter (@BowmanOutside) or Instagram (@BowmanOutside).
DALE’S MAILBAG
“Do you have hummingbird feeders? If so, when do you take them down?” John V.
A: I take mine down when I stop seeing hummingbirds. Alan Anderson, research committee chair for the Chicago Audubon Society, recommended the FAQs at audubon.org/news/hummingbird-feeding-faqs. One of their recommendations included, “You can even continue to provide the feeder after your hummingbirds disappear—late migrants or out-of-range species can show up into early winter.” As a general rule, ruby-throated hummingbirds in Illinois and Indiana are generally gone by the end of October.
BIG NUMBER
75: Years since Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge was established on Aug. 4, 1947, which was celebrated Tuesday.
LAST WORD
“Take care, and perch will soon be here.”
Bruce Caruso, waxing hopeful in his update on Perch America activities
WILD TIMES
HUNTER SAFETY
Oct. 22-23: Palos Hills, (708) 601-4712
FISH GATHERINGS
Tuesday, Oct. 18: Mark Anderson, “Fishing Reel Maintenance – Do’s & Don’ts,” Arlington Anglers, Poplar Creek Banquets, Hoffman Estates, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 19: Keith Cortopasi on muskie tactics, South Side Muskie Hawks, Vince’s Restaurant and Pizzeria, Chicago, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct 20: Capt. Eric Esko, “Fall Tactics for Muskie and Walleye,” Fish Tales Fishing Club, Worth Township offices, Alsip, 7 p.m.
ILLINOIS SEASONS
Today, Oct. 15: Fall trout season opens at select sites
Today, Oct. 15: Woodcock season opens
Today, Oct. 15: Final day, frog season
This weekend, Oct. 15-16: Youth waterfowl season, north zone
LAKE CLOSURES
Today, Oct. 15: Final day of fishing, LaSalle Lake
Tuesday, Oct. 18: Final day of fishing, Braidwood Lake and Mazonia (except Monster is open year-round)
