Young sibling duo share scientific findings in efforts to conserve Chicago’s nature

CHICAGO — Two young Chicago siblings are on a mission to protect the city’s nature.

This sister-brother duo are incredibly curious, bright and talented. But at the end of the day, they are still siblings, which means there’s as much razzing as recording in the field.

Ima and Ari Akagawa are both bloggers. Ima is a birder.  Ari is  a bugger. 

Ari’s findings go on Love of Bugs blog.

Ima documents on her blog Bird Minded. 

“I don’t really take photos of birds to have pretty photos,” Ima said. “I take photos of birds to see their behaviors and keep track of them.”

Ima’s work has caught they eye of Mary Hennen, a collections assistant from Chicago’s Field Museum who uses Ima’s blog as a current reference for Chicago’s peregrine program.

There is as much squabbling as science-ing when your lead researchers happen to be brother and sister. 

WGN’s Erin McElroy has more.