Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon is a resident of Southern Illinois, although not a common sighting… at least not when I have a camera in my hand. In the interest of full disclosure, this photo was taken during a wildlife presentation at Kentucky Lake. In the wild I have seen peregrines at Carlyle and Mermet lakes. The …
White Pelicans
White pelicans in Southern Illinois? It’s been a thing for more than a decade. But, people still contact me from time to time, breathless with excitement at the prospect they’ve discovered the impossible. Why not? The idea seemed totally bizarre 20 years ago. Yet, here they are. Migration routes changed sometime ago and now thousands …
Pied-Billed Grebe
The pied-billed grebe is today’s bird of the day! Commonly mistaken for a duck, the grebes are a family of their own. The pied-billed is the most commonly seen grebe in Southern Illinois, although horned grebes are also regular visitors. The pied-billed can be found on most bodies of water in Southern Illinois through the …
Pileated Woodpecker
There is no sight, no sound, more impressive in the Southern Illinois woods than the Pileated Woodpecker. When that jungle-like screech goes echoing through the woods, you sit up and take notice. Likewise, when you see that huge bird with the white wings and fiery red crest, you cannot divert your eyes no matter how …