The notes package for Chicago outdoors includes a red-headed woodpecker, an English major sort of fishing quote, a push for winter bird baths and the third Wisconsin elk season,

The notes package for Chicago outdoors includes a red-headed woodpecker, an English major fishing quote, Capt. Dave Fors, a winter bird bath and the third Wisconsin elk season.

By Dale Bowman

Red-headed woodpecker in Beverly Shores. Provided photo — Red-headed woodpecker in Beverly Shores.

Notes come from all around Chicago outdoors.

WILD OF THE WEEK

John Moynihan in Beverly Shores, Ind. said the colder weather brought more birds, including this red-headed woodpecker. “And we’ve only seen one other red-headed woodpecker since we got here in 2013,” he emailed. “Now this guy is a near daily visitor.”

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. To make submissions, email (BowmanOutside@gmail.com) or contact me on Facebook (Dale Bowman), Twitter (@BowmanOutside) or Instagram (@BowmanOutside).

IN MEMORY

Capt. Dave Fors of Full Circle Charters died Jan. 22. In his memory, it was suggested to “make a donation to the local animal shelter, raise a cold beer, and a shot of whiskey or spend a day fishing.”

WILD TIMES

WILD THINGS

Feb.. 19-21 and 26-28: Wild Things 2021 Conference will held virtually, $15 per weekend of $30 for entire conference, wildthingscommunity.org.

HUNTER SAFETY

Feb. 18 and 20: Bonfield, (815) 635-3198

ICE FISHING DERBIES

Through Sunday, Jan. 31: The 12th annual LVVA Ice Fishing Derby 2021 presented by Sunny Island RV, facebook.com/LVVAIceFishing/

Next Saturday, Feb. 6: Island Lake Lions Ice Fishing Derby, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., headquartered at Eastway Park, adults $15, 15 and younger, $5.

ILLINOIS PERMITS/SEASONS

Sunday, Jan. 31: Final day, Canada goose season, central, south central, south zones

DALE’S MAILBAG

“I live in southwest Naperville and can report that I am getting more birds at my feeders now than in the past. I have two feeders on hooks in my yard and two seed squares and a suet square hanging on my deck.. . . . The only difference is that this year I have added a heated water bowl for the birds to drink from. They seem to love it and use it as a bird bath as well. . . . The only thing I can attribute it to is the heated water bowl.” Nick Damato

A: I have never tried a heated water bowl. Apparently, I should.

BIG NUMBER

5 of 5: Elk hunters who filled their tags during Wisconsin’s third managed elk hunt. 2020 marked the 25th year since reintroduction and management of elk began.

LAST WORD

“ `Carpe Diem’ does not mean `fish of the day.’ “

One of Outdoor Life’s 49 best fishing quotes, click here to read more

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