Articles filed under Reiter, Jeff
-
Rare sightings and other surprises captivated local bird watchers throughout the year
Dec 15, 2022 6:00 AM - Hotshot birders call them megas, as in mega-rarity -- the once-in-a-lifetime events that send dedicated watchers racing for their binoculars. What are your chances, say, of spotting a painted redstart in Illinois? Almost zero.
-
How Bob Dolgan's documentaries capture the magic and mystery of Illinois birds
Nov 15, 2022 6:00 AM - A Chicago birder's short documentary, "The Magic Stump," shows how a solitary tree stump in a farm field 50 miles south of Champaign attracts a variety of wintering raptors.
-
Study: Chicago region's protected lands offer critical habitat for various bird species
Sep 20, 2022 6:00 AM - The journal "Annual Review of Environment and Resources," published in May, reported that 48% of bird species worldwide are known or suspected to be experiencing population declines. Only 6% are showing gains, and 39% are stable. In 2019, the journal "Science" reported 3 billion birds lost in the last 50 years. It's noticeable, in the field and in our backyards.
-
Merlin Bird ID app is changing how we go birding
Aug 11, 2022 6:00 AM - You know those smartphone apps that tell you what song is playing? Merlin is like that, only for birds. The game-changer came in June 2021 when Cornell added real-time sound identification capability.
-
DuPage Forest Preserve's Danada heronry thriving once again with great blue herons
Jul 1, 2022 6:00 AM - When leading a bird walk, I'm secretly grateful whenever a great blue heron comes into view. Lurking on the edge of a pond, or rowing across the sky, a "GBH" always makes an impression.
-
Loons share their magical sound as loonatics search Lake County for migrating bird
Apr 28, 2022 2:50 PM - This column has a soundtrack, and you might know the one. Imagine yourself in the North Woods on a summer night, next to a clear, quiet lake. Now listen for the haunting calls of a common loon piercing the darkness. That's it, that's what I'm hearing. Recently, I was thrilled to hear those same yodels and wails just 50 miles from my Glen Ellyn doorstep. I was in Lake County for my first Loonapaloonza.
-
Chasing the 'big grackle' gives local birders a thrill this winter
Mar 11, 2022 6:00 AM - Winter is a slower time for birding. There isn't as much to see. So, when rare birds pay a visit, they get a royal welcome.
-
While most go for the wine, Jeff Reiter hit California wine country for the birds
Feb 24, 2022 6:00 AM - Most visitors to Stag's Leap Wine Cellars in Napa thirst for a fine cabernet. Daily Herald columnist Jeff Reiter went for the birds.
-
Year in birding: 2021 brought several rare sightings and new conservation laws
Jan 13, 2022 6:00 AM - The year in birding: Words on Birds columnist Jeff Reiter takes a look back at the sightings and happenings of 2021.
-
The magic magnolia: Hungry avian travelers find needed fuel thanks to berry filled tree
Nov 4, 2021 2:38 PM - For two weeks in September, red-eyed vireos and Swainson's thrushes called our sweet bay magnolia tree breakfast, lunch and dinner. They picked the tree clean, harvesting the bright orange berries from the cone-like seed pods.
Show 1-10 of 120
next »
bottom clear