Chicago outdoors: Great blue heron, native plants for birds, steelhead, hunting/fishing in stay-at-home

Notes come from all around Chicago outdoors.

WILD OF THE WEEK

“Great blue herons and double-crested cormorants have returned to the Lemont area and are in full nest building mode,” emailed Rich Anzalone, who took this photo April 5.

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 Saturday. Submit nominations by message on Facebook (Dale Bowman), on Twitter (@BowmanOutside) and Instagram (@BowmanOutside) or email (BowmanOutside@gmail.com).

WILD TIMES

HUNTER SAFETY

Not listing events until gathering restrictions ease.

ILLINOIS PERMITS/SEASONS

Remember, IDNR sites remain closed.

Turkey hunting: North zone, second season, through Thursday, April 23, third, Friday, April 24, to April 29; south, third season, through Wednesday, April 22, fourth, Thursday, April 23, to April 29.

Through April 30: Applications for resident firearm and muzzleloader deer hunting

DALE’S MAILBAG

“I do have a question about your stories. How do people get out and on the lakes, to the woods, etc. My family hasn’t left our immediate property for the past three weeks.” Beth Sawyer

A: Good question I have received in many forms. They generally drive to nearby sites, such as the Chain; some walk or bike. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources gave this guidance last month: “Hunters and anglers who wish to hunt or fish during the ‘Stay at Home’ order may do so provided they have the appropriate licensing and permits and are hunting or fishing on private property or at sites which are currently open to the public. We ask our hunters and anglers to help their fellow outdoorsmen and women by following all public health directives, including staying at least six feet away from other sportsmen and staying home if they’re exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19.”

BIG NUMBER

6,000: Steelhead numbers through South Bend on the St. Joseph River in March, Indiana’s Lake Michigan fisheries biologist, Ben Dickinson, on Facebook. Another 3,000 has already come through in April.

LAST WORD

“During stressful times, it can be therapeutic to get your hands dirty and spend some time appreciating the plants and birds in the green spaces you can safely access right now—a balcony, backyard, or local park. In spring, migrating birds will see green spaces full of native plants as a welcome respite after their exhausting overnight flights. Tending and appreciating your native plants will not only provide vital food and shelter to birds but also help keep your spirits high—which we could all use right now.”

National Audubon Society, on native plants and birds; to find native plants for your area, go to audubon.org/native-plants/search