Chimney swifts
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Urban foxes
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Sweet nature home Chicago

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Winter 2005

THE TRUTH ABOUT SWIFT BIRDS

Dear Editor,

I was sitting on my rooftop deck at sunset and noticed a huge flock of what I thought were bats swirling overhead. There must have been hundreds of them. Last week I made it a point for my girlfriend to witness this spectacle. As we sat there amazed, we couldn't figure out why the bats were diving into the chimney across the street as opposed to flying out of it. We found it really strange. After consulting with her mother, Carrie was told they were chimney swifts, not bats.

Now it all made sense. It really is spectacular to see these birds, with the orange sky behind them, diving into this chimney. I'm hoping the swifts come back year after year. I missed them tonight. It was a late night at the office. I hope they are still here.

Otha D. Smith
Chicago, Illinois

FOXES IN THE HOOD

Dear Editor,

I saw a fox dashing down the street this evening. I've lived in Chicago my whole life (36 years), and I've never seen a fox of any sort here. It was running right down Chicago Avenue in Evanston, a main thoroughfare, and then it ducked down a side street and disappeared into the Metra rail right-of-way. Very weird.

I feel blessed, as it was a real treat from nature. I'll never forget seeing that scared, beautiful animal out of its element, negotiating the pavement, cars, people, and buildings, instantly transforming the pallid streetscape before me into the largely lifeless land it really is.

Ezra Hozinsky
Chicago, Illinois

HEART FINDS HABITAT

Hi Folks,

I really applaud the efforts of so many dedicated groups of people to preserve and enhance what's left of the wild areas. It makes my heart soar like a bird!

I used to be an interpretive naturalist at Cook County's Crabtree Nature Center in the early '70s. I was born and raised in Chicago, but moved to Seattle in '72. When I return for a visit, I always like to re-visit local natural areas. When I find them improved, I'm really surprised and happy to see it. There is hope!

Arn Slettebak
Seattle, Washington