This week’s field notes
OUTDOORS April 16, 2011 9:06PM
Dale’s mailbag
A: I suggested he send a note to Mary Hennen at the Field Museum. She was glad for the note, and said both pairs near the Civic Opera are on eggs.
Updated: September 24, 2012 6:25AM
WILD OF WEEK
Sondra Katzen, media relations manager for the Brookfield Zoo, thought a Canada goose on a giraffe could one-up last week’s goose in a tree. It does. Zoo photographer Jim Schulz took photos earlier this month when the giraffes were given access to their outdoor yard for the first time this year. The goose is defending territory. E-mail nominations to straycasts@sbcglobal.net.
WATERFOWL FOURTH ZONE
The possibility of a fourth waterfowl zone or three zones with splits in Illinois is alive according to proposals published in the Federal Register (Vol. 76, No. 68) last week. The comment period closes on May 15.
DOUBLE-DUTY DALE
I will speak on “Epics and Ethics of North Side Perch” to the Morton Grove Sportsman’s Club at the Morton Grove Moose Lodge at 7 p.m. Wednesday. On Thursday, I will speak on “Epics and Ethics of South Side Perch’’ at the Fish Tales Fishing Club, at 7 p.m. at 15350 S. Oak Park, Oak Forest.
WILD TIMES
HUNTER SAFETY
May 21-22: Gurnee, registration begins 9 a.m. Monday, (847) 856-1229.
FISH GATHERING
Tuesday: Jim “The Crappie Professor’’ Kopjo’s hands-on seminar, Harper College Reservoir, Arlington Anglers Fishing Club, 7 p.m., arlingtonanglers.com.
BIG NUMBER: 1,523
Turkeys killed during the first season in Illinois’ south zone April 4-8. That’s down from last year (1,637), mostly because of a poor opening day. Turkey hunting in both zones continues into May.
THE LAST WORD
“The clues to watch for that are pretty good indicators that sturgeon are spawning are (in order of dependability): numerous large very high flocks of Canada geese flying north, aspen leaves as big as a beaver’s ear, pussy willows in full bloom, and spring peepers in full chorus at night.”
— Wisconsin sturgeon spawning update, on Thursday
