July is usually when these berries ripen and they are okay to pick in Cook County's forest preserves. In rural areas of the collar counties, there are a number of animal species that feel at home in the corn and soybean fields, most prominent being the red-winged blackbird roosting on fences and reflectorized poles next to fields. Robins, blue jays, and a number of other birds also are common in farmed areas. Other birds in the area include waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and egrets in preserve waters, and even larger birds of prey such as hawks. Near Lake Michigan are found numerous gulls, waiting for a free handout from people walking the beach.
Deer are ubiquitous, as well as squirrels.
Occasionally, a deer will wander out of a forest preserve or wooded area and make its way into the City of Chicago. In wooded areas raccoons and rabbits are more common. Less common, but still frequently spotted are a variety of non-poisonous snakes such as the garter and the prairie king. Poisonous species are almost non-existent in northeastern Illinois. Frogs of all types haunt wetlands and lakes and can be heard most summer nights, while turtles may be spotted swimming or sunning during day hours.