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Comment by Ken Spielvogel on September 6, 2013 at 6:18

Tobias, IMO Coons are a nuisance and a pest. We are overrun by them. And like you say, they almost fear nothing. They are everywhere. And yes, they can get quite big. The city and residential areas seem to get hit hard by them, due to trash being put out for the pick up.

Comment by Tobias Gibson on September 6, 2013 at 6:13

Ken, Did someone say Coons?  I don't need to go to the swamp to see raccoons.  They live on my block.  There's a couple that patrol my street at night.  One of them is about the size of VW Beetle!  These raccoons fear absolutely nothing! If they are on your garbage can, they'll just stare you down until you leave.  And I swear they eat the rat poison the city puts out like it was an after dinner mint and it does them no harm!

Comment by Ken Spielvogel on September 6, 2013 at 6:02

Tobias, sounds like you have a great place to Hike.

I haven't seen my Buck on the trail camera in about 10 days, hope I didn't scare him off. I am seeing Does and Coons.

Comment by Tobias Gibson on September 5, 2013 at 21:39

If you looked closely you will have seen deer in the photos. 

Among the animals in the area are deer, beaver, muskrat, opossums, fox, rabbits, and coyotes. (plus numerous feral cats and the occasional wild dog.)  I've also spotted an armadillo but was told I was mistaken and that they haven't made it this far north. Having lived in Florida and Texas most of my childhood, I know an armadillo when I see one.  Especially when it was less than 20 feet away!  I figured the fella hopped a ride on a  BNSF train.

The place is also a bird watchers dream come true especially for those looking for migratory water fowl. Herons, Cranes, Swans Canada Geese, and Mallards are all very common sites.  There is also a nesting Bald Eagle in the area as well as Peregrine Falcons.  the falcons were brought into Chicago to deal with the Pigeons but the falcons didn't feel like eating the "rats with wings!" LOL

As for amphibians and reptiles, primarily North American Toads and Garter Snakes  and the occasional salamander. 

All in all a nice place to go.  You see more of the wild life in the early morning or evening hours, another reason i go out at this time.

Comment by Billy Oneale on September 5, 2013 at 21:20

Great pictures, Toby. Heck, we spend most of our time at home outside.

Comment by Jan Carter on September 5, 2013 at 20:37

Tobias,

This really is a treasure in any city life!

Comment by Ken Spielvogel on September 5, 2013 at 20:24

Tobias, great pics and looks like a great place to hike.

In Memoriam Comment by Robert Burris on September 5, 2013 at 20:04

Hey, that's the Great Outdoors.

Comment by Tobias Gibson on September 5, 2013 at 19:10

I tend to hike near the wetlands near my house.  I live in Chicago but I'm surrounded by the last remaining wetlands in the city (The city was built on a swamp)  It is the only place in Chicago where you can legally hunt ducks.  (the waiting period for a license is incredibly long due to demand!)  I like to hike the swamps in the early morning or at dusk.  I also prefer to do it in the winter. (no mosquitoes or ticks!)

In Memoriam Comment by Robert Burris on September 5, 2013 at 18:09

Great photo....whoa !!!!!  Tobias, no one needs to be Dan'l Bonne.

   Your best bet is find a lake near by with cabins for rent, a state park, maybe. There will be easy fishing, walk and bike trails. You can cook outside or inside. Lots to see in mother nature. Bring a camera and maybe another couple. I garan-teee , ya'll to pass a good time, shea....lol

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