Homer Glen Man Wins Will County Forest Preserve Photo Contest

HOMER GLEN, IL — A Homer Glen man won the December Will County Forest Preserve District's Preserve the Moment photo contest with a picture of a snowcapped cardinal. John D'Agostino took the photo at the Isle a la Cache preserve in Romeoville.

D'Agostino, a 911 dispatcher, said in a release Isle a la Cache is a "little wildlife hot spot" in Will County.

"I was off Christmas Eve morning, so I decided to head over to try to capture one of the belted kingfishers that sometimes patrol the river, or maybe a great horned owl holding over from the night shift. Long story short, I didn't get either. However, it had snowed a bit and I was able to capture this male northern cardinal foraging nearby."

D'Agostino said in a release he participated in the contest to challenge himself to "actually tell a story" with his photos.

"I love wildlife, and I thought it would be a good way to share what we have right here in our backyard. As I improve, I would love to somehow contribute to some wildlife conservation efforts."

According to the preserve, contest judges admired the photo's composition and clarity. Individual snowflakes are visible on the bird's beak, and the cardinal's cherry red plumage and crest are crisp and captivating against the wintry gray background.

December photos that earned honorable mentions were taken by: Sharon McCartan Bruemmer of Lockport for a stunning sky scene at Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve, Nancy Havener of Naperville for a crimson sunset at Whalon Lake, Aisha Ray of Romeoville for three playful opossums cavorting in a tree at Isle a la Cache and Barbara Parisi of Channahon for a serene landscape setting at McKinley Woods.

Now that the 2017 contest has ended, eight monthly finalists will compete for top honors via public voting on the District's Facebook page. The top three vote-getters will win prizes: a messenger-style bag for first place, a digital photo frame for second place and a Michaels gift card for third place.

Photo provided by Will County Forest Preserve District: by John D'Agostino.