WILD OF THE WEEK
Notes come from around Chicago outdoors and beyond.
Jerry Bayne’s trail camera in Williamson County in southern Illinois caught several photos of massive flocks of blackbirds and red-winged blackbirds. "We usually get a few neat pictures, I will try to send them as I remember," he emailed. I’m glad because I love shots like that.
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 Sunday. To make submissions, email BowmanOutside@gmail.com or contact me on Facebook (Dale Bowman), Twitter (@BowmanOutside), Instagram (@BowmanOutside), or Bluesky (@Bowmanoutside).
DALE’S MAILBAG
"The wife and I spotted two pileated woodpeckers, along the Sag Valley Trail (Yellow Trail) near Swallow Cliffs [on Jan. 25]. . . . They were in the forested area, east of 104th Avenue, south of the Yellow Trail and a short distance east of Teason’s Woods parking lot in Palos Hills. Several years ago, we took our young kids to this same general area in spring, after reading about a reported sighting in your column. We struck out back then, but hit the jackpot today. They were LOUD!!! We heard them calling briefly and then hammering to no end." – Dan McNally
A: Pileateds, one of my favorites, are very loud, but also very striking with their black and white bodies and big brilliantly red crests.
WILD TIMES
FISH GATHERING
Thursday, Feb. 6: "An Evening with Steve Herbeck," Midwest Musky Club, Village Sportsmen’s Bar, Alsip, 7 p.m., www.midwestmuskyclub.com
SHOWTIME
Through Sunday, Feb. 2:
- All-Canada Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles
- LVVA Ice Fishing Derby, Bangs Lake, Wauconda
- Rockford Boat, Vacation & Fishing Show, Indoor Sports Center, Loves Park
- Captain Dan Keating Salmon Schools, Lake Michigan Angler, Winthrop Harbor
- Chicago Travel & Adventure Show, Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont
Sunday, Feb. 1:
- Midwest Musky Club Fishing & Outdoor Show, Village Sportsman’s Club, Alsip, vendor table and show info, Larry Downes, (630) 302-0759 or larry@riotracing.com
- Island Lake Lions Club Ice Fishing Derby, Island Lake, headquartered at Eastway Park
Next Saturday, Feb. 8:
- DRiFT Fly Fishing Auction, Villa Park VFW
Next Sunday, Feb. 9:
- Henry Decoy Show, Three Sisters Park, Chillicothe
HUNTER SAFETY
Next weekend, Feb. 8-9: Wilmington, https://islandparkdistrict.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs
March 8-9: Bridgeview, https://bridgeviewparkdistrict.activityreg.com/ClientPage_t2.wcs or (708) 594-1818
March 15-16: Diamond, sign up at Diamond Indoor Trap Range
The full state listing is at dnr2.illinois.gov/SafetyEd/SafetyEdClassByCounty
U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
Tuesday, Feb. 4: Boat America, Des Plaines, Jerry Miarecki, boatsafe@coastguardchicago.com
Conclusion
As the winter weather continues to shape up, there are many exciting events and activities to look out for in the world of Chicago outdoors. From fish gatherings to hunter safety classes, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to send in your wild stories and photos to be featured in our Wild of the Week section.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I submit my wild story and photo for the Wild of the Week section?
- Email BowmanOutside@gmail.com or contact me on Facebook (Dale Bowman), Twitter (@BowmanOutside), Instagram (@BowmanOutside), or Bluesky (@Bowmanoutside)
- What are the dates for upcoming events in the wild times section?
- Check the article for dates and locations of upcoming events
- How can I find out more about hunter safety classes?
- Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website at dnr2.illinois.gov/SafetyEd/SafetyEdClassByCounty
