Nature Happenings

• Project FeederWatch continues, www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw

• An increasing number of Bald Eagles can be seen on small lakes and rivers.

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• Snowy Owls may visit barren corn and bean fields for winter feeding grounds. 

• Watch at dusk for Short-eared Owls hunting marsh lands.

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• Short Eared Owl

• There are frequent irruptions of Snowy Owls in Illinois during the winter months.

• Cardinals flocking; they're usually the first and last birds to be seen at feeders.

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• Cardinal

• Skunk Cabbage is the first flower of the year to bloom.

• During late January or early February, Great Horned Owls will be sitting on their eggs.

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• Great Horned Owl

• Late in the month, as days lengthen, Tufted Titmice and cardinals begin to sing.

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• Tufted Titmouse

• Start planning your butterfly and bird gardens this month.

• Now through late March is a difficult time for birds; providing food and an open source of water is important.

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• Aldo Leopold's (Father of Wildlife Conservation) birthday Jan. 11

• Quadrantid Meteor Shower early in the month. See up to 60 falling meteors per hour!