Warbler to otters to a brown bullhead: Notes around Chicago outdoors

Notes from around Chicago outdoors.

FIELD NOTES

WILD OF THE WEEK

Emil Baumbach photographed this chestnut-sided warbler from Montrose Point. “These birds will only be around for another week before they head up to Canada to breed,’’ he emailed.Wild of the Week, a celebration of wild scenes around Chicago outdoors, runs as warranted on Sundays on the Sun-Times outdoors page. Send nominations by Facebook (Dale Bowman), Twitter (@BowmanOutside) or email (straycasts@sbcglobal.net).

DALE’S MAILBAG

Email: “I was walking along the Kankakee River near I-65 when I found three river otters playing in the water. Since I don’t think they’re very common and how you like the river I thought I’d send you a few shots.’’ Bill PeakA: Here’s why I value Peak. I’ve tried for years to see my first otter on the Kankakee.

BIG NUMBER

3.3: Pounds of the new Illinois-record brown bullhead, caught from Emiquon.

LAST WORD

“With large crowds expected to visit Starved Rock State Park near Utica for the Memorial Day weekend, visitors are encouraged to monitor Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Facebook and Twitter feeds for updates on traffic delays and temporary parking closures at the park.’’IDNR, with advice to heedWILD TIMES

FISH GATHERING

Wednesday: Phil Piscitello, “In-Depth Look at Advanced Bass Fishing Techniques,’’ Walleyes Unlimited, Gurnee American Legion, 7 p.m., click here for infoILLINOIS PERMITS/SEASONS

Through June 30:Applications may be made for second lottery, firearm and muzzleloader-only deer permits. Click here for details

WINGSHOOTING

June 3-4: Des Plaines Conservation Area, (217) 785-8129.

HUNTER SAFETY

(Click here for full package of northeast Illinois hunter safety classes)

DUCKS UNLIMITED

(Click here for the general list of Illinois DU events)

NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION

(Click here for general list of banquets and events)

PHEASANTS FOREVER

(Click here for general list of Illinois PF events)