 |
|
 |
|
Fetured Item
9.25-inch Merlin on Branch
 |
|
| Click to enlarge image(s) |
This 9.25-inch Merlin on Branch carving was hand-crafted from solid Basswood. The widespread nominate race of Merlin, columbarius, which breeds in the Taiga Region is intermediate in the gray-blue plumage. The western columbarius> sub-species average slightly paler than the eastern. In flight, the strongly barred tail distinguishes the Merlin from the much larger Peregrine and Prairie Falcons. The under-parts and under-wings are darker than in Kestrels, particularly in suckley and columbarius, and the head is larger. Nests in open woods or wooded prairies; otherwise it is found in a variety of habitats. The Merlin is a powerful flyer and does not hover. It catches birds in flight by a sudden burst of speed rather than by diving. Merlins also eat large insects and small rodents. Many individuals in the Prairie Provinces do not migrate but winter in or near cities.
Reference
National Geographic Field Guide To The Birds of North America, Fifth Edition, Page 138
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
Facts and Information for Illinois
Map of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Refuges in Illinois
Reference: www.fws.gov/refuges/refugeLocatorMaps/Illinois.html
| Official Illinois State Website |
http://www.illinois.gov/ |
| State Capital |
Springfield |
| Origin of State Name |
Algonquin for “Tribe of superior men” |
| Joined the Union |
Illinois became the 21st state on December 3, 1818 |
| State Bird |
Cardinal Grosbeak
also known as Northern Cardinal |
| State Fish |
Bluegill |
| State Amphibian |
Eastern Tiger Salamander |
| State Animal |
White-tailed Deer |
| State Reptile |
Painted Turtle |
| State Insect |
Monarch Butterfly |
| State Tree |
White Oak |
| State Flower |
Purple Violet |
| State Prairie Grass |
Big Bluestem Prairie Grass |
| State Mineral |
Fluorite |
| State Dance |
Square Dance |
| State Fossil |
Tully Monster |
| State Song |
"Illinois" |
| State Motto |
"State Sovereignty, National Union" |
| State Nicknames |
"The Prairie State" |
| State Snackfood |
Popcorn |
| Time Zone Location |
CST - Central Standard (GMT - 6 hours) |
| Population projected estimate for year 2010 based on U.S. Census 2000 results. |
|
| Male |
6,356,295 |
| Female |
6,560,599 |
| Total |
12,916,894 |
| Crime Information |
Crime Statistics for 1997 - 2006 |
| Median Household Income (latest figures available) |
$45,787 |
| Unemployment Rate |
5.2 |
| 10 Largest Cities by Population |
- Chicago
- Aurora
- Rockford
- Naperville
- Joliet
- Springfield
- Peoria
- Elgin
- Waukegan
- Cicero
|
| Cities and Towns |
Illinois Cities & Towns |
| Counties |
Illinois Counties |
| Major Universities |
Major Illinois Universities |
| Major Rivers |
Major Illinois Rivers |
| Major Lakes |
Major Illinois Lakes |
| Total Land Area |
55,583.58 Square Miles |
| Total Water Area |
2,330.79 Square Miles |
| Total of Both Land And Water Area |
57,914.38 Square Miles |
| General Coastline |
None |
| Lowest Elevation |
Mississippi River; 279 feet |
| Highest Elevation |
Charles Mound; 1,235 feet |
REFERENCES
- Illinois, 2/16/2008, http://www.illinois.gov/
- Illinois Facts, 02/24/2008, http://www.illinois.gov/facts/symbols.cfm
- NWRS - Refuge Locator Map, 2/16/2008, http://www.fws.gov/refuges/refugeLocatorMaps/
- Interim Projections of the Male Population for the United States and States: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2030, 2/16/2008, http://www.census.gov/population/projections/SummaryTabA2.pdf
- Interim Projections of the Female Population for the United States and States: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2030, 2/16/2008, http://www.census.gov/population/projections/SummaryTabA3.pdf
- United States Crime Rates 1960 - 2006, 2/16/2008, http://www.disastercenter.com/crime/uscrime.htm
- Illinois, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Illinois&oldid=191577806 (last visited Feb. 16, 2008).
|
|
|
2008 Copyright © Malone Marketing, LLC
All Rights Reserved
|
|
|
|
 "Click to enlarge image(s)")
