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Tom317
Guest
Still nothing by me, but I heard there are swarms in the Hinsdale area.
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Tom317
Guest
Reports from Brookfield Zoo:
**Seen Cicadas? **
Cicada
If you do not live in the western suburbs near Brookfield Zoo, you might not understand what the hubbub (or hub-bug) is all about.
Despite the media frenzy, the emergence of the 17-year cicadas has been disappointing in many areas. Sightings of these amazing red-eyed bugs have been rare in the city of Chicago, or the northern and southern suburbs. If you have not experienced the cicada invasion, Brookfield Zoo is one of Chicagoland’s premiere viewing places and now is the time to visit. The sound is amazing—at one point the noise meters registered 94 decibels near Perching Bird House (that is comparable with a lawnmower or passing motorcycle!). And the harmless bugs are flying from tree to tree in massive numbers. Kids have been happily grabbing them for great insect interactions. And it is all about to peak! This weekend will probably mark the apex of the cicada’s short stay above ground with an incredible crescendo of noise and activity!
We only see these insects every 17 years when they emerge in massive numbers. Researchers claim that in some places you will find one and a half million cicadas per acre. These big bunches of one-to-two-inch bugs put on one of nature’s most amazing shows as they take over for a few weeks. If you don’t like insects, don’t worry—they put on a very short show. Experts believe the cicadas will all be gone by the 4th of July. And while cicadas look intimidating as they barrel through the air, flying noisily, these insects are completely harmless. They do not bite or sting, in fact they do not even have mouth parts.
Cicadas are great for the animals at the zoo. They are an interesting snack for many animal residents—from brown bears to bearded dragons (check out a full list online). Cicadas are a low-fat and high protein alternative for these animals’ diets. Keepers are pretty picky about which of the cicadas are OK for zoo animals will dine on. They ask that no home deliveries be made to the animals at the zoo—only bugs found by staff in the park will be fed to the animals. Luckily, there have been enough cicadas on-site to keep the creatures happy for a long time!
More about cicada snacks for the animals at the zoo.
**Seen Cicadas? **
Cicada
If you do not live in the western suburbs near Brookfield Zoo, you might not understand what the hubbub (or hub-bug) is all about.
Despite the media frenzy, the emergence of the 17-year cicadas has been disappointing in many areas. Sightings of these amazing red-eyed bugs have been rare in the city of Chicago, or the northern and southern suburbs. If you have not experienced the cicada invasion, Brookfield Zoo is one of Chicagoland’s premiere viewing places and now is the time to visit. The sound is amazing—at one point the noise meters registered 94 decibels near Perching Bird House (that is comparable with a lawnmower or passing motorcycle!). And the harmless bugs are flying from tree to tree in massive numbers. Kids have been happily grabbing them for great insect interactions. And it is all about to peak! This weekend will probably mark the apex of the cicada’s short stay above ground with an incredible crescendo of noise and activity!
We only see these insects every 17 years when they emerge in massive numbers. Researchers claim that in some places you will find one and a half million cicadas per acre. These big bunches of one-to-two-inch bugs put on one of nature’s most amazing shows as they take over for a few weeks. If you don’t like insects, don’t worry—they put on a very short show. Experts believe the cicadas will all be gone by the 4th of July. And while cicadas look intimidating as they barrel through the air, flying noisily, these insects are completely harmless. They do not bite or sting, in fact they do not even have mouth parts.
Cicadas are great for the animals at the zoo. They are an interesting snack for many animal residents—from brown bears to bearded dragons (check out a full list online). Cicadas are a low-fat and high protein alternative for these animals’ diets. Keepers are pretty picky about which of the cicadas are OK for zoo animals will dine on. They ask that no home deliveries be made to the animals at the zoo—only bugs found by staff in the park will be fed to the animals. Luckily, there have been enough cicadas on-site to keep the creatures happy for a long time!
More about cicada snacks for the animals at the zoo.
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manualman
Guest
Tons of them near my work around O’Hare. Absolutely none at my home in Bartlett. My home is new since the last one, but I haven’t seen a cicada in the entire TOWN yet.
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Tom317
Guest
Well, as with my town, you are not likely going to see any cicadas locally. The entire natural event is only a couple weeks from being over. We missed out…bummer.
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gmarie21
Guest
My neighborhood hasn’t had them and then, all of a sudden, this past week they seem to be hanging around my neighborhood. They aren’t as large of a population as in other areas, but this week alone I have seen a decent amount in the yard. Maybe someone in this area decided to steal some from other areas, but I’m glad that they are now hanging around.
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Tom317
Guest
Well, since we are not likely to see any Cicadas in my area (still not at all sure why), I took my famile on a Cicadas hunting trip to LaGrange, Countryside and Burr Ridge, where we saw thousands and heard a wonderful roar of their singing in the tree tops…just too cool. 
I am very happy that we finally saw this amazing natural show put on by our incredible Lord.
Here is one picture:
I am very happy that we finally saw this amazing natural show put on by our incredible Lord.Here is one picture:
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Norseman82
Guest
I live right along the border with Elmwood Park, and they just came out with a vengeance on my block last weekend. And today, I saw a bird catch a cicada in mid-flight in front of my house.
Funny story: our parish had a mass/picnic two weeks ago at the local forest preserve - and it was right atthe height of the cicadas making their noise. I joked to the pastor that there would be a choir of cicadas at the mass.
Funny story: our parish had a mass/picnic two weeks ago at the local forest preserve - and it was right atthe height of the cicadas making their noise. I joked to the pastor that there would be a choir of cicadas at the mass.
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Dale_M
Guest
I’m not in the Chicago area, but we have the cicadas too (just west of Cedar Rapids, Iowa). I had to go out of town to a wooded area to hear them, but sure enough… they are there! Their love song differs from that of the annual cicadas - I’m glad I didn’t miss the opportunity to hear them.
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