Field Notes: Chicago’s Outdoors & Beyond
Wildlife of the Week
Paul Vriend shared an exciting sighting on February 4—he finally captured a photo of a native Chicago beaver! He spotted it swimming into Jackson Park Outer Harbor, near the corner of Lake Shore Drive and Marquette. While gnawed trees along the Chicago River show evidence of beavers, getting a good photo of these elusive creatures is challenging.
The Wildlife of the Week (WOTW) section highlights unique wildlife moments in and around Chicago. To share your own photos or stories, email [email protected] or find me on social media: Facebook (Dale Bowman), Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky (@BowmanOutside).
Upcoming Outdoor Events
Polar Adventure Day
📅 Saturday, February 22
📍 Big Marsh Park
🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
💲 Free Admission
Experience winter fun with hiking, sled dog teams, live animals, and ice carving at Big Marsh Park. Learn more at chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/polar-adventure-day.
Birdwatching
📅 Now through Monday, February 17
Join the Great Backyard Bird Count and help track bird populations in your area. More details at audubon.org/community-science/great-backyard-bird-count.
Fishing Events & Meetings
📅 Tuesday, February 18
- Captain Louie Dazzo will share tips on bass fishing at Geneva Lake and trout fishing in Lake Michigan.
- Location: Arlington Anglers at Poplar Creek Banquets, Hoffman Estates.
- Time: 6:30 PM.
📅 Wednesday, February 19
- Captain Noah Humfeld discusses muskie fishing tactics at Fox River Valley Muskies, Inc.
- Location: Schaumburg Golf Club.
- Time: 7:00 PM.
- Jim “The Crappie Professor” Kopjo will give ice fishing tips at South Side Muskie Hawks.
- Location: Village Sportsmen’s Club, Alsip.
- Time: 7:00 PM.
📅 Thursday, February 20
- Eric Esko covers walleye, pike, and bass fishing techniques at Fish Tales Fishing Club.
- Location: Worth Township Offices, Alsip.
- Time: 7:00 PM.
Outdoor & Travel Shows
📅 Saturday, February 15
- Salmon Unlimited Swap Meet – River Park Moose Lodge, River Grove.
- Hoosier Coho Club’s Swap Meet – LaPorte County Fairgrounds, Indiana.
📅 Now through Sunday, February 16
- Chicago RV & Camping Show – Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont.
📅 Now through Sunday, February 16 & February 19-23
- Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show – Indiana State Fairgrounds.
📅 Friday, February 21 – Sunday, February 23
- Wisconsin Fishing Expo – Alliant Energy Center, Madison.
