Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Scientific Name Archilochus colubris Survival Strategy Long-distance migrants Arrival in Upper Midwest Early to mid-May Departure August through October Destination Gulf Coast, Florida, Mexico, and […]
Striped Skunk
Scientific Name Mephitis mephitis Survival Strategy Torpor / Communal Denning Conservation status Least Concern Phenology SpringMating occurs from mid-February (think Valentine’s Day) through April. In […]
Eastern Bluebird
Scientific Name Sialia sialis Survival Strategy Medium-distance migrants Return to the Midwest Early March to mid-May Departure September to November Destination Southeastern United States and […]
Blue Jay
Scientific Name Cyanocitta cristata Survival Strategy Active All Winter Conservation status Least Concern Phenology SpringBlue jays begin building their nest of twigs in mid-March. By […]
Common Loon
Scientific Name Dolichovespula maculata Survival Strategy Medium-distance migrant Arrival in Upper Midwest Mid to late April (at ice-out) Departure Late August (adults) November (hatch-year) Destination […]
Great Blue Heron
Scientific Name Ardea herodias Survival Strategy Short-distant / Medium-distant Migrant Arrival in Upper Midwest Late March to early April Depart Mid-September to late October Destination […]
Northern House Mosquito
Scientific Name Culex pippens Survival Strategy Freeze-avoidance Conservation status Least Concern Life Cycle EggsA female northern house mosquito lays 100 to 300 eggs, head-side down, […]
Sugar Maple
Scientific Name Acer saccharum Survival Strategy Freeze-tolerance Conservation status Least Concern Phenology SpringWhen daytime temperatures of the wood reach around 40 degrees, the tree releases […]
Bald-faced Hornet
Scientific Name Dolichovespula maculata Survival Strategy Annual Colony /Freeze-Tolerance (queen only) Conservation status Least Concern Phenology SpringThe female bald-faced hornet emerges from quiescence (think hibernation […]
House Wren
Scientific Name Troglodytes aedon Survival Strategy Medium-distance migrant Arrival in Upper Midwest Late April to early May Departure September to early October Destination Southern US, […]