January Nature Happenings

 Barred Owl                                 Short-Eared Owl              Great-Horned Owl

• National Bird Day is observed every year on January 5. This holiday raises awareness about the fact that birds are an endangered species in the United States, especially those who are not native to the country.
• Project FeederWatch continues, www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw
• An increasing number of Bald Eagles can be seen on small lakes and rivers.
• Snowy Owls may visit barren corn and bean fields for winter feeding grounds.
• Watch at dusk for Short-eared Owls hunting marsh lands.
• There are frequent irruptions of Snowy Owls in Illinois during the winter months.
• Cardinals flocking; they're usually the first and last birds to be seen at feeders.
• Skunk Cabbage is the first flower of the year to bloom.
• During late January or early February, Great Horned Owls will be sitting on their eggs.
• Late in the month, as days lengthen, Tufted Titmice and cardinals begin to sing.
• Start planning your butterfly and bird gardens this month.
• Now through late March is a difficult time for birds; providing food and an open source of water is important.
• Aldo Leopold's (Father of Wildlife Conservation) birthday Jan. 11
• Quadrantid Meteor Shower early in the month. See up to 60 falling meteors per hour!

Adult Bald Eagle                                                              Juvenile Bald Eagle