[BCNnet] More foxes and a North Pond update

[birdperson@juno.com]

Bird People:

Following up on Bob Hughes' IBET post earlier today mentioning the resident red fox of the Montrose Beach Dune Habitat, I just received an interesting message from Susan Fargo of the North Pond Conservation Council, attached below.  It seems we may have more than one fox on the lakefront, or do we?  

Please continue to let us know your fox sightings, and great fall birding!

Leslie Borns
Site Steward, Montrose Beach Dune Habitat
birdperson@juno.com
Chicago/Cook
-------------------

Dear On-Line North Pond Conservation Council Members and Friends,
 
Now that October has arrived, the first hints of yellow are blushing the treetops here at the North Pond Nature Sanctuary and wildlife abounds.
 
We now have a fox at North Pond.  The first sightings of the fox began a month ago at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool and last weekend the first news of a fox sighting at North Pond arrived.  Is it the same fox?  Probably, but it could also be a mated pair that has established a route between the two locations.  Either way, it's exciting news to have small mammals appearing to round out the top of the ecosystem's food chain (maybe the fox will help reduce our rat population).  After discussion with the Chicago Park District's experts, we've decided to let the fox stay as long as it doesn't become a nuisance.  Our wildlife needs a home too and what better place than our Nature Sanctuary.  I haven't seen the fox yet, but I hear it's a good-looking creature with a bushy tail and big, alert ears.  When we learn the species of the fox , we'll give you more information.  Please keep your doggies on a leash when in the natural areas at the pond edge for their own safety and the safety of our wildlife.  If you have any fox encounters or are able to take its photograph, please let us know!
 
We may have another beaver at North Pond, but we need your help to verify it.  As you'll read in our Autumn newsletter coming out later this month, the Chicago Park District humanely trapped and relocated a giant 55-lb. beaver from North Pond on January 1, 2004.  Last month, a small beaver carcass was found at the pond.  So far, we haven't seen any new tree damage to verify another beaver exists here, although there has been a sighting or two.  If you see a beaver, or fresh gnaw marks on willow tree branches overhanging the water (their favorite food), please call us right away with the location (our phone number is below).
 
Although the autumn bird migration is beginning to slow, you can still enjoy unusual bird sightings at the pond including our ever-popular Great Blue Heron who has been holding court around the concrete plaza lately.
 
A new white duck arrived yesterday, which now makes a total of three Pekins.
 
Six Bowfin fish were released into the pond yesterday to eat the burgeoning goldfish population.  The Chicago Park District may also do some seining (catching with a net) to make a dent in the goldfish numbers before winter sets in.
 
You can make a difference at the North Pond Nature Sanctuary this year by renewing your membership and purchasing our new 2004 Holiday Cards that go on sale later this month.  Only with your help does our urban nature thrive!
 
Happy autumn and many thanks.  Now turn off your computer and go visit our fall abundance at the pond!
 
In Service of Nature and Community,
Susan P. Fargo
Chair, North Pond Conservation Council
2nd Vice President, Lincoln Park Conservancy
 
E-Mail:  Fargo2@prodigy.net
24-Hour North Pond Hotline:  (773) 913-5703
Conservancy Office:  (773) 883-7275
 
 
 
 
  


 
   
    


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