Monarch sequence, Chinook, fall color, ruddy turnstone: Chicago outdoors notes

Notes from around Chicago outdoors.

FIELD NOTES

WILD OF THE WEEK

Lynn and Tim Snell sent this five-day sequence of a monarch butterfly, ending with the monarch pictured at the top.

WOTW, the celebration of wild scenes and photos 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

“Also know as the Calico bird because of its breeding plumage colors, a number of these stunning birds [ruddy turnstones] recently landed in Chicago on their southerly migration. These birds are aptly named as they are constantly turning over stones, leaves and seaweed in their search for food.” Emil Baumbach with a photo from Montrose Beach earlier this month

A: I like how Baumbach’s photos are often timed around bird movements.

BIG NUMBER

50: Percentage of fall color in Superior/Douglas County, according to the TravelWisconsin.com fall color report

LAST WORD

“The king numbers aren’t great, but the quality of the fish showing up is.”

Christian Howe, perfectly summing up the return of Chinook around Chicago

WILD TIMES

ILLINOIS PERMITS/SEASONS

Sunday: Teal season ends

Sept. 28: Deadline, third lottery for public duck and goose hunting area permits. Click here for info

FISH GATHERINGS

Tuesday: Capt. Chris Taurisano, “Summer to Fall Transition Patterns,” Arlington Anglers, Cabela’s, Hoffman Estates, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday: Dale Bowman, “Of Whitefish, Burbot, Drum and Smelt,” Fish Tales Fishing Club, Oak Forest Community Center, 7 p.m.

HUNTER SAFETY

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

Saturday-Sunday: Momence, bobhuntnfish@yahoo.com or 815/472-2670

Oct. 6-7: Mokena, (708) 390-2409 . . . Dyer, Ind., (219) 515-2197

Oct. 12-13: Arlington Heights, huntsafely.webs.com

Oct. 20-21: Tinley Park, (708) 342-4200

WINGSHOOTING CLINIC

(Click here for the statewide list)

Saturday-Sunday: Des Plaines CA, call (815) 423-5326 or click here for detailed info

DUCKS UNLIMITED

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

Thursday: “Northshore Hunting Film Tour,” Wilmette Theater, 6-9:30 p.m., $20 general admission

Friday: Orland Park dinner, Orland Chateau. Contact Dominic Piergies, (773) 562-2549, or Ryan Radtke, (708) 203-5300

U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

(Click here for full listings of classes in the area)

Saturday: About Boating Safely, Hammond, Dick Chappelle, rkac16149@msn.com

PHEASANTS FOREVER

(Click here for general list of Illinois PF events)

NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION

(Click here for general list of banquets and events)