Where to see wild Animals wildlife Play dates nature play Activities
Exploring Our World for Wildlife
We love being outside not just because of nature’s splendor and beauty. But to get to be outside AND connect or even help animals, that’s just a win, win. They get something they need, and we have the satisfaction of doing something for them. The boys really enjoyed animal encounters that were not created for a commercial benefit. If nature bought an opportunity to them, they welcomed it. They took care of the wildlife enthusiastically until the animal was able to scamper or fly off on it’s own.
Our favorite place to encounter wildlife was in our backyard (it butted up to the edge of huge forest. Rocky Mountain National Park, Lone Duck Campground & Garden of the God’s and at the top of their list Vedauwoo Recreation Area -in Wyoming. The boys would spontaneously make the wildlife happy with a rescue, food, water, or anything they could think of to make the animals day. Then they went on with their exploring. Deer, elk, squirrels, rabbits, racoons, wolves, bears, mountain lions passed through our yard, so they were very versed in which ones were dangerous to get too close with.
Hope and Brandon at Lollipop Farm
Hope on the other hand preferred long periods of time with animals and to make sure that felt loved. When she was little, little she noticed that not all wildlife has a mommy to take care of them. She was so upset that she cried. Then spent her entire childhood trying to make up for that. She wanted to love on every animal she would meet. I would panic a little at times. She would say “I Fine” or “He’s happy now” to calm me. It’s almost like she could feel their burdens or what they needed.
Her ability to connect with animals was astonishing. She lovingly cared for and invested time with an elk that she called Grandpa (They played with her big ball and Hope rewarded him with a snack), a horse named Liberty or Libby, other farm animals (including Llamas and ostriches) and the wildlife in Mt. Falcon daily, and sponsored a sick dwarf donkey at Lollipop Pop Farm in New York. Plus, all our family pets to take care of. And she had a rescued a beautiful Arabian horse when she was a tween, that she took care of. They were so cute together. She loved to brush her horse because it relaxed her horse and herself at the same time.
Humans and animals have always coexisted throughout millennia and our relationship with them is not something new. Although human–animal encounters are an important factor for some visitors, the encounters should be encouraged in the most natural manner possible and not in captivity.
The tourism industry has become a theater for human–animal encounters by designing and offering “new sensory experiences” with animals. Tourists are willing to travel long distances to pay to see animals in their natural habitat. In fact, the observation of wildlife is believed to be one of the main reasons for visiting those areas. And I have to admit, it is my primary objective in my plans for both day trips and vacations.
Several recreation studies show that visitors who were attracted to the park to explore the habitat (take pictures, visit a specific area, hike the trails etc.) or to see popular and big animals make time for longer encounters with wildlife. Plus, they were more twice as likely to return to the park for another chance to see the large native animals. We were like that with Denver Zoo, Brevard Zoo and Forever Florida. We had a annual pass to Seaworld in Orlando as well. So, our lives were constantly enriched by the animal world.
There are so many wonderful opportunities to be outside and explore nature with children.
Nature walks and explorations are an ideal way to spend fun quality time together as a family and to help your children develop an appreciation for the earth, birds, mini-beasts, plants and everything else in the natural world.
5 Great ways to Explore and Learn About Wildlife with Your Kids
There are so many great reasons to explore wildlife with kids. As well as educating children about the behavior and biology of wild animals, it’s an easy way to encourage them to have love and compassion for other creatures.
In addition, many studies have shown that every aspect of the health and wellness of a child improves with exposure to the natural world. And of course, kids love to get hands-on with nature and wildlife, so it’s easy to see why wildlife activities for kids are so popular.
Ready to explore nature and wildlife with the kids? Here are five great ways to introduce children to the wonderful world of wildlife, and how they can respect and take care of it.
SCHEDULE IN TIME TO CONNECT WITH WILDLIFE ON YOUR VACATIONS
When planning your next family trip, consider skipping the amusement parks and beaches and heading to a family-oriented wildlife destination instead. Choose a place that offers enough opportunities to learn the dangers that animals face in the wild, and that also allows children to learn how humans can help conserve and protect their habitat.
The Sepilok Nature Reserve in Borneo is a prime example. The sanctuary is covered with dense forests and is rich in wildlife. In fact, it’s one of the few places where you can find orangutans, elephants, and rhinos in one area. Here children can get a chance to play with baby apes or go on a special adventure with their parents to view exotic species like the Sunday flying lemurs and gliding frogs. You can book wildlife experiences like this on sites such as Naturetrek.
You can even take the kids on a truly adventurous wildlife safari. Countries like South Africa, Kenya and India offer plenty of amazing safari options.
The return of our rescued manatee-Mosquito Lagoon & Rescue Care center workers
VISIT AN ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER
Our children are going to be the future ambassadors for animal conservation, so it’s important to teach them about their wellbeing. The best way to start is by taking the kids to an animal welfare center for mistreated or abandoned animals. This will help children to understand why animals are important to mankind and learn about caring for them in a loving and humane manner.
A trip to an animal welfare center is also a simple way to give children access to wildlife that they may not otherwise come into contact with.
USE BOOKS AND SCREENS TO EXPLORE WILDLIFE WITH KIDS
It’s never too soon to explore wildlife with kids. Start with simple things like pointing out animals in movies or TV shows, or when you’re out and about. Tell them the names of the animals and explain what makes them so unique. This could be the sounds the animal makes, where it comes from, or what it eats.
Once your child is a little older, you can increase their knowledge about the world of wild animals through books. Fiction and non-fiction both work well here. An ultimate classic like Black Beauty, for example, will show them how to appreciate and love horses, and by association, other animals. A non-fiction nature play activity book is also a great way to help kids learn about and care for wildlife. The internet is a useful resource too. Sites like National Geographic Kids are bursting with documentaries on wild animals which are sure to keep the kids mesmerized.
TAKE THE KIDS ON A NATURE WALK
As well as using books and visuals to teach kids about wildlife, you should definitely try to experience nature from up close. A nature walk is a simple, low-cost and accessible way to do this, and it’s a great way to burn off some energy and instill a sense of calm too.
You could visit a local park or nature reserve, hike up a hill, or stroll along a lake or river. Ask your children to bring along abook and use it to identify the animals they see, or download a free printable nature scavenger hunt. During the walk, encourage children to look out for wildlife. In my experience, nature always stimulates kids to ask lots of questions, so be prepared to do some thinking yourself! You might need to look some things up when you get home too.
Once the walk has ended, it’s nice if everyone reflects on what they saw and liked the most. This is a good prompt to get kids using their language skills, and also a fun way to find inspiration for your next wildlife adventure.
HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES AND DISCUSSIONS
Wildlife-themed activities are a great hands-on way to explore wildlife with kids. Here are a few fun ideas.
Study animal tracks. Show kids pictures of different animal tracks and talk about the animal that made them. Or head outside and see what tracks you can find. You could take spotter cards with you or take a photo of the tracks and look them up when you get home. A snowy day is a great time to do this as it makes it easier to spot and follow tracks, but a muddy field works well too!
Encourage children to garden for wildlife. Discuss what animals and insects visit your garden, and why. This is a great opportunity to talk about how our gardens provide a source of food for wildlife, and also to explore the concept of pollination. You might like to extend this activity by making homemade bird feeders, or installing a bird bath.
When you’re out with the kids at night, ask them to listen carefully for sounds of wild animals. This could be a chirping grasshopper, a hooting owl, or a hedgehog shuffling in the undergrowth. Note down the names of the different animals you hear and have a go at spotting them by flashlightlight.
Have fun with storytelling. One of the simplest ways to captivate children about wildlife is to tell stories. Add in an outdoor setting and a campfire, and things get really exciting! You could make up a wildlife story about the animals where you live, read their favorite animal book, play wildlife-themed games, or sing some favorite songs about animals.
By helping children engage with wildlife, we can give them the opportunity to develop their understanding of and empathy with nature. As well as being a fun family activity, it’s a brilliant way to make sure that future generations do their bit to take care of our planet’s amazing wildlife.
What’s your favorite way to explore wildlife with kids?
Spending time outdoors and in nature is good for both the body and the mind. Some of our favorite activities such as walking, hiking, and biking are done outdoors and it’s a great space for unstructured creative play. Interacting with nature provides opportunities for discovery and creative thinking and supports social-emotional growth and development. Build the outdoors into your day to day – whether opting to play outside or bringing nature to you with arts and crafts.
Tips
Exploring nature together is a great way to spend time as a family, too. Older kids and younger kids can work together or can explore more independently or using age-appropriate activities.
Remember to model respect for nature and helping to instill that respect in others. Discuss responsible collecting and make sure you’re in an area where it’s permitted. Clean up any trash and be mindful of animals in their natural home.
Don’t be afraid to get dirty! Sometimes a little play with dirt, water, sand, and mud is all that’s needed. Explore different senses such as the feeling of grass under your feet, the sound of leaves crunching, or the smell after a fresh rainstorm.
Take Action
Get creative when exploring the great outdoors and use your imagination to turn the things around you just out your door, into something you take pride in protecting and helping (when needed).
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH ON BENEFITS OF TIME IN NATURE: childrenandnature.org/research
Explore Nature Anywhere You Are
When we imagine nature, we often think about our own part of the country. Nature is everywhere. Here are some ideas for wherever you might live, whatever the season.
At the beach: Dig down into the sand to find the water level. Look for small creatures while you dig. Look for changes in the color and texture of the sand and observe the size of the sand granules. Notice the colors in shells. Look for bird and crab tracks.
In the desert: Look for animal tracks, flowers after spring rains, and water sources. If possible, compare the dry desert to the desert after the rain. In the woods Climb a tree. (Although children rarely climb above where they are comfortable on their own, you will sense when to draw the line, if necessary.) Swing on a vine or play see saw with a strong branch balanced on a log. Build a fort with fallen branches.
In the snow: look for animal tracks and go on an exploration hike them with an adult.
In your backyard: Plant a garden and observe the flowers and vegetables as they grow. Watch for visitors, such as birds, insects, toads, lizards, squirrels, rabbits, or deer.
In a vacant lot: Look for weeds, seeds, and evidence of animal life like:
Scat (the technical name used by naturalists for animal droppings)
Animal tracks
Feathers
Wood that an animal has gnawed (such as a tree that has marks from a beaver’s teeth)
Holes in the ground (from a dog, a squirrel, a mole, or an armadillo)
Holes in the trees (from a woodpecker or insects)
Near water’s edge: Watch for birds and dragonflies taking off and landing or for frogs jumping in the pond. Bring a little net to dip in the water and ask your child to share her discoveries with you.
Even if you don’t know what the creatures are, you can discuss what you see (legs or no legs, scales or no scales, antennae or other body parts, wing colors) and what you hear (fish splashing, insects buzzing, frogs calling).
Learning to Care about Nature
Learning to Care: Children Learning in Nature
Man’s heart, away from nature, becomes hard.
If children do not have opportunities to care for living things or observe living things grow, they can’t possibly understand the intrinsic rewards associated with caring for other living things. We can’t expect our children to care for us when we are old if they have never had the opportunity to learn from working side by side with us to care for other living things. Providing this care and talking about it are the very places where young children begin to construct an understanding of intrinsic reward. We care for and about each other “because we carry with us the memories of and longing for caring and being cared for.”
Serving as a steward or caretaker and caring for other living things, we have the opportunity to model caring for nature, provide a variety of experiences of caring for other organisms, and take the time to discuss why caring is important. In these ways, nature can provide an effective platform for nurturing the development of caring, compassionate, kind individuals.
The Promise of the Outdoors for Young Children
So where do we begin? Modeling is critical, but this does not mean that you should simply go out and plant a seed with your child. Rather, it means exposing your own thinking process to the young child, along with your joy and wonder in watching the living thing you nurtured grow and change. This takes time and commitment. It is not a one-time event but an extended process.
Nature experiences unfold in their own time. Each year, we find ourselves marveling at the same events we observed a year ago. As caregivers and educators, make this marveling transparent. Make your wonder and joy contagious through undistracted conversation with your child.
Most importantly, continue to emphasize the importance of caring for another living thing throughout this entire process. Model your own sense of responsibility to the plant and make your own joy, wonder, and excitement transparent to the precious child who is sharing the experience. I have no doubt that it will stick with them for a lifetime.
Gently Capture, Observe, Release
Children learn about caring for other living things when they observe our behavior. Model the careful way in which you capture a pillbug, a worm, or any other small living thing. Observe the animal briefly and then gently release it.
Make your thinking transparent to begin to build a sense of empathy. For example, you can say that “I want you to have a chance to see this beautiful creature, but it is important to be gentle so that we can safely return it to its home.”
Simple modeling such as this helps young children construct a sense of caring and respect. Through this process, the young child begins to experience the intrinsic rewards associated with caring for other living things.
As adults, we need to understand that caring, kindness, and ultimately empathy are hard earned. They require our commitment to move beyond ourselves and experience the wonder of the natural world as a miraculous process. We need to commit the time and energy, and we need to share our sense of wonder of the world we live in, if we hope to foster a kind generation.
101 Fascinating Quests with Wildlife!
If your child loves animals, you should try these 101 awesome activities, crafts and excursions.
There is wildlife all around us everywhere—in cities, towns, farms, and wild places. Discover the diversity of wild things that call America home! All you need is patience and maybe a bit of guidance.
Animals have all sorts of wonderful adaptations, so let's learn why animals look and act the way they do and how it helps them survive. Whether you have acres of green space or just a windowsill, we are pretty sure that you will find something wild to study!
Is your child obsessed with animals? Then keep his passion in mind when planning your day’s activities.
Here are 101 fun things to do with a little one who has a love of animals:
Go to a zoo.
Get a pet fish.
Train your dog to do tricks.
Grab some frosting and make different animal prints on a fresh batch of cupcakes.
If you’re like most people then you probably have no shortage of distractions competing for attention in daily life.
But do you realize just how much a distracted mind interferes with your ability to connect with plants, birds, trees & generally make cool discoveries in nature? It’s amazing to me that so many modern humans have never really looked at nature with the perceptual awareness of a distraction free mind.
Just imagine what would happen if you could allow yourself to be truly present with nature for even just a few minutes every day!
Whether you want to learn practical nature awareness skills like bird language, tracking, plants & other types of forest knowledge. Or if you simply want to improve your felt sense of connection with nature…
One of the most important beginner nature skills is being able to give your undivided attention to nature with undistracted sensory awareness.
Here are some more resources to help you on your journey!
Discover More Nature & Wildlife Visit the Nature and Wildlife section on Mass Audubon's website for to learn more about a variety of mammals found in Massachusetts. You can also find out what's happening in nature during spring, see each month's Outdoor Almanac, and much more!
Be a Community Scientist You can participate in community science and help scientists from all around the world with iNaturalist! Just add photos of the wildlife sightings that you find in wild spaces, in your neighborhood, and even in your house. The data you collect may be used by scientists all over the globe to study wildlife and understand the world.
And if you live in or near the Greater Boston area, consider joining in the Annual City Nature Challenge that takes place in late April! Connect with people in communities around the world to celebrate the biodiversity around us!
Online Learning Tools & ResourcesThe North American Association of Environmental Educators (NAAEE) offers a free, comprehensive website packed with ways to keep learners of all ages interested and engaged while staying close to home—from hands-on activities and lesson plans to websites, virtual tours, and more.
Talk About Your Learning
What are some adaptations that animals have?
What is the coolest adaptation you have learned about?
What are adaptations would you like to know more about?
Do plants have adaptations?
Additional Resources
Crash Course Kids: Living Things Change
Smithsonian Channel: Frogsicles: Frozen but Still Alive
Animal Adaptations: Camels, Giraffes, & Penguins
Animal Adaptations: Porcupine Facts
National Geographic Kids: American Beaver, Cool Facts About Bats, Cool Facts About Cats
Switch Zoo: Make New Animals Game Animal Heads by Vita Jimenez
What If You Had Animal Ears? By Sandra Markle
How to Spot Animals in the Wild
Quest: Learn How to Spot Animals in the Wild
Viewing animals in the wild can be the highlight of any nature experience. I grew up in a Canadian park bordering Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Here it was common to spot moose, bear, wolves and lynx, sometimes right in our own backyard (and once, in the hallway of our house). But you don’t have to live in the wilderness to spot wildlife.
Wherever you live, you can increase the likelihood of seeing birds and mammals by remembering a few key tips:
10 SECRETS OF SUCCESSFUL WILDLIFE WATCHING
Wildlife watching is an art because it requires creativity, enthusiasm, love for all living things and a lot of patience.
Wildlife watching allows you to go places you would never go to for practical reasons, but because it is awe-inspiring and brings home good memories.
Successful wildlife watching is also an adventure, because it exists in the chaotic and unpredictable world of nature it often come unexpected. A rewarding adventure allows you to understand the natural world and it's inhabitants, and to learn new things that you can use in your everyday life.
If you encounter a wild animal in its own natural habitat it can bring you positive memories that stays with you for a life time.
That's how you know your wildlife watching adventure was successful.
In a bad wildlife adventure one or both of these elements are missing:
You didn't see any wildlife.
You expected it.
And you didn't learn anything.
Read on, in the next few minutes we’ll explore ten secrets on how to watch wild animals. Shared by our professional wildlife guides.
When you are out there always keep in mind, you are the visitor!
1) LOCATION - BE IN THE RIGHT PLACE
Obviously if you want to observe a particular type of animal, you’ll have to go where that animal lives. So, you need to figure out where the population is distributed geographically.
No matter how hard you try, you won’t find Moose in Kenya.
If you really wanna see a Moose, try Canada or Sweden.
When you know where to go, you should also find out what other wildlife you can expect to see in that area, and find out a little bit about them. Consider your budget and the amount of free time you have available, get your tickets, and then go out and meet nature.
2) SEASON - BE THERE AT THE RIGHT TIME OF THE YEAR
Most species of wildlife change their behavior throughout the year.
You know Bears hibernate in winter, so you probably won't be very successful if you try to see Bears in snow. Your best chance to spot a Bear in the wild is during the early Summer right before the berries are ripe.
Depending on which species you are interested in, you should learn more about their behaviour patterns throughout the year, and then decide when to go. Ultimately you should be in the right place during the season when you are most likely to see the animal.
3) HABITAT - BE IN THE RIGHT TYPE OF NATURE
You also need to figure out in which habitat you are most likely to see the animal. Type of landscape and plants are important parts of wildlife habitat.
Your best chances to see a Moose in Summer are in meadows and forest clearings. If you wanna see a Beaver, you need to search at a lake or a stream. So basically, you need to be in the right region, and the right season, but also in the type of nature that they prefer.
4) TIME - BE THERE AT THE RIGHT TIME OF THE DAY
Moose rest on hot Summer days. Wolves are most active at dusk and dawn.
Pay special attention to information about their daily lives and behavior - their feeding, sleeping, and breeding habits, for example — and what environments they prefer so you’ll know where and when you’re most likely to see them.
Figure out the best time of day for viewing by imaging an animal's daily schedule.
When does it feed? Rest? Drink? Dawn and dusk are usually good bets for most wildlife.
A dry, hot, sunny afternoon is not the best time to be out.
5) BE QUIET - LISTEN CAREFULLY
Most animals will see, hear or smell you long before you are aware of their presence.
They observe you and, depending on how far away you are and how you act, they decide to stay, defend themselves or flee.
Keep talking to a minimum and use hand signals whenever you can. Step lightly, not to break twigs underfoot and turn off your cell phone.
Whether you’re searching for wildlife or observing it, you’ll be more successful if you rely on more than just your eyes. Listen for cracking twigs or branches, animal calls, or the flutter of birds’ wings to help you locate animals.
Most species have a sense of smell that is far more developed than your human senses.
For most animals smell and hearing are more sensitive than their eyesight. Therefore it can be more important not to let the animal smell you than it is not to be seen.
Always move against the wind as much as possible. Don’t wear colognes, perfumes, scented lotions or hair products.
Photo hide for Brown bear watching. Photo: Håkan Vargas
7) CAMOUFLAGE - BE INVISIBLE
Try to fade into the woodwork by wearing natural colors and avoid bright clothing if it isn't snowy.
If you wear a white hat you will shine like a lamp.
Clothes that don't rustle are best. Dress in silent clothes.
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE - BE STILL
Find a good spot and be prepared to wait.
Sometimes you will see more by sitting quietly for a while and just wait for an animal to come in front of you.
Waiting may sound like a boring thing to do, but waiting in nature is often both relaxing and more rewarding than you expect.
Wildlife photographer. Photo: Jan Nordström
9) EQUIPMENT - WHAT TO BRING
The equipment you will need will vary depending on where you’re going. Make sure to bring appropriate clothing for the climate, and dress in layers.
Your best bet is to ask a local what to bring. Write a packing list.
Let somebody know where you will be and when you expect to be back. Research the area if you’re unfamiliar with it, and get a map and compass or GPS device if appropriate.
Remember to bring a camera and binoculars. Our guides never leave home without binoculars. You see so much more.
And don't forget to bring something to eat. Even the shortest excursions gets better with some snacks.
Marcus balancing on a tree, watching for wildlife. Photo: Marcus Westberg
10) LOCAL KNOWLEDGE - GO WITH A PRO AND SEE MORE WILDLIFE!
A guide sounds great! But is it really worth the money?
Well, that all depends on your budget of course, but one thing is obvious; with an experienced local guide you can see more wildlife and at the same time learn more about the lives of the creatures you see.
Wildlife Viewing Quests
Two bull elk lock antlers during the rut. NPS Photo/J. Preston.
Viewing Tips:
Watch at dawn and dusk: Most wildlife activity occurs around dawn and dusk, when animals feed. Plan excursions during these parts of the day to increase your chances of seeing wildlife.
Bring the right tools: Field guides, binoculars, a zoom lens, and comfy shoes can improve you wildlife viewing experience.
Know their habits and habitats: Habitat preferences and seasonal cycles can determine where and when you're most likely to observe an animal. You probably won't see a marmot on the coast or a river otter at Hurricane Ridge. Migratory animals, such as gray whales, are most commonly seen in the spring and fall and animals that hibernate, such as marmots, are usually only seen in the summer. Learning about wildlife habits and habitats before you visit will increase your chances of an encounter.
Ask a ranger: Stop by the nearest Visitor Center for current information on the best wildlife viewing areas.
Be a Safe and Responsible Wildlife Observer:
Never feed wildlife: It is illegal to feed, approach or harass wildlife, including birds and small mammals, such as chipmunks.
Keep a safe distance: Stay at least 150 ft (50 meters) from wildlife. If you cause an animal to move, you are too close. Use binoculars or a telephoto lenses to stay safe and avoid disturbing them.
Don't view and drive: View wildlife from roadside pullouts to avoid vehicle accidents and congestion.
Visit our wildlife safety page for more safety rules and regulations.
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Wildlife in America and Canada
American & Canadian Wildlife
If you want information by species click on the links below
As wildlife habitats are in decline it’s more important than ever to make space for wildlife in our gardens or around our homes. You can find a whole range of simple and easy ideas for making a home for wildlife in your garden below. That way the wildlife comes to you.
Even if you don’t have a garden, you can make use of a window box to plant wildflowers or hang insect, bird or bat boxes from a wall, fence, balcony, or window.
LET IT GROW WILD
One of the simplest things you can do is let areas of grass grow long and wild in your garden. Long grass provides shelter and food to a whole host of wildlife.
We’ve already found that leaving areas of long uncut grass growing in the garden has massively increased the variety and amount of insects and wildlife we find.
Insects and amphibians enjoy the cool shade and moisture the long grass retains, wildflowers have flourished amongst the grass which has brought increased numbers of bees, beetles and butterflies, The birds have been feasting on the grass seed and hedgehogs, bats and other insect eaters have all benefited from the increased number of mini beasts.
How about leaving a border of long grass all around the edges of your garden to provide a safe corridor for wildlife to move through. You could even sow wildflower meadow mix into the grass or even plant mini meadows in pots or a window boxes.
GROW WILDFLOWERS AND POLLINATOR FRIENDLY PLANTS
Did you know that a third of the food we eat comes from plants that rely on pollination? Even medicines and materials like morphine, aspirin and cotton are derived from pollinated plants? Yet pollinator species across the world are in drastic decline due to widespread pesticide use and the loss of habitats.
This is why its so important to help pollinators like bees, butterflies, moths, hover flies and beetles by providing food and egg laying spaces for them. You can easily do this by growing as many wildflowers and pollinator friendly plants and flowers as you can, thereby provide a source of food for all year round as well as giving them the plants they need to lay their eggs on.
You can find a handy list of plants that provide a source of food for butterfly caterpillars here. And a list of nectar rich plants and flowers that butterflies can to feed on here.
There is also a list of plants that provide sources of food for Moth caterpillars here. And a list of nectar rich plants and flowers that Moths can feed on here.
‘WEEDS’ ARE SUCH A VITAL PART OF OUR ECOSYSTEM SO LET THEM GROW!
It’s a shame that so many important wildflowers and plants are considered unwanted “weeds” that are often pulled up or killed off by chemicals. Up until the 1800’s it was common for people to pull up grass in their garden to make room for edible flowers like dandelions.
Dandelions are beautiful wildflowers that provide an important source of food for pollinators. They flower early in the year long before any other plants. Bees, butterflies, and many other insects feed on the pollen and nectar, and caterpillars of butterflies and moths feed on the plants. Some species of bird even feed on the seeds. The entire plant is also edible for humans, you can eat the leaves, stems, flowers, and roots of dandelions.
Stinging nettles also provide an important source of food for wildlife. The caterpillars of several species of butterfly and moth rely on the plants for food, ladybirds lay their eggs on the leaves, bees and other pollinators feed on the nectar from the flowers and some species of bird even feed on the seeds. Humans throughout history have also relied on nettles for food, clothing, dye and rope.
Ivy is also a vital source of food late in the year for many pollinators long after the last flower has bloomed. Resist the urge to cut back Ivy in the autumn or winter as this is when it flowers.
DIG A DITCH
Digging a small ditch in your garden will create a whole new micro habit for wildlife to thrive in. Ditches are naturally more sheltered, shaded, cooler and moist. They provide safe corridors for wildlife like hedgehogs to move in and give amphibians, mammals and insects a much-needed cool habitat to shelter in during hot weather.
All you need to do is dig a long hole along the border of your garden, it can be as deep or as shallow as you like but do remember to make the sides sloping so wildlife can get in and out. You also want to make sure it’s not somewhere where it will be a trip or fall hazard for humans. We added some wildflower seeds to our ditch to provide extra food and shelter when they grow.
MAKE AN INSECT SHELTER
Creating shelters for insects is a great way to increase the diversity of wildlife in your garden. Many insects benefit from having shelter and a healthy population of insects will also provide a ready source of food for other wildlife such as hedgehogs, frogs, toads, slow worms, bats and birds.
If you don’t have the room or a garden for a big insect shelter you could always make a mini one to place in a window box or hang from a wall or fence.
Layering piles of rocks, stones, pebbles, bricks, paving slabs and plant pots close to the ground all help create cool shady nooks and hiding places for amphibians and reptiles like frogs, toads, slow worms, lizards, newts and snakes.
Old terracotta plant pots also make perfect amphibian and reptile shelters. You can either break them in half or half bury them in the ground to create a shady cool hideaway.
You can also create an underground den for amphibians to hibernate in during the winter. Amphibians like to hibernate in dark, damp safe spaces underground.
You can easily dig a hole in the ground that’s roughly 30-40cm deep. Line the hole carefully with logs, sticks and stones to create a series of mini spaces and holes for them to hide in. You want it to be stable so it doesn’t fall on any creatures but you also want to leave space for them to move about in.
Next partially cover over the top of the hole using half of an old flowerpot or a plank of wood. You want to cover it enough to keep the worst of the weather and predators out whilst also leaving room for smaller animals to enter. If you are using a flowerpot you could loosely line it with long grass to provide extra shelter.
Finally cover over the top (leaving the entrance hole) with soil and sprinkle on some grass or wildflower seeds.
MAKE A WILDLIFE POND
Ponds are important source of food, water and shelter for many animals and insects. From amphibians like frogs and newts, to aquatic mini beasts and insects like dragon flies (which begun their lives as underwater nymphs) and bats and birds that eat some of the insects. Making a wildlife pond in your garden is simple and you can find a full guide here.
GROW A TREE OR HEDGE
Trees are such an important part the worlds ecosystem, they create oxygen, soak up carbon dioxide, prevent soil erosion, retain nutrients in the soil and provide food and shelter for wildlife. Thousands of different species depend on trees from birds, mammals and invertebrates to reptiles, fungi, mosses and lichens.
Even when a tree dies it still plays a vital role in the ecosystem. The dead wood creates nitrogen for the soil and provides habitats for a variety of animals.
Tree seeds take a little patience to grow but it is incredibly rewarding when you manage to grow a little seed into a tree sapling. You may never see the fully grown tree yourself as you will have probably moved house long before then. But there is a wonderful quote that says “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
PROVIDE NESTING SITES AND FOOD FOR BIRDS
February is often the beginning of nesting season for most birds but the period can last till August and some birds like wood pigeons will actually nest all year round. It’s important not to cut back hedges or trees during nesting season.
Different types of bird will choose and use different materials and methods to build their nests. Many birds use twigs, grass and feathers to build them, some use mud, moss and fur and others like Chaffinches even use spider webs.
You can help nesting birds by putting up bird boxes before or after the nesting season. You could also leave out natural fibers and pieces of plant materials for birds to collect. Just please don’t leave out human or pet hair as both can be contaminated with chemicals and birds can become entangled in them.
If you are ever lucky enough to find a wild birds nest then the Woodland Trust have a great free guide to identifying eggs here. However please don’t disturb any nests you might find, please just quietly observe them it from a distance. Don’t touch or disturb either the eggs or the nesting site as that might then cause the parents to abandon the eggs.
During the cold winter months food can be much harder to find for birds. You can help get them through the winter by providing food, water and shelter in your garden. One of the ways we like to help is by making pine cone bird feeders which you can find a guide to here.
PROVIDE WATER FOR WILDLIFE
It’s also important to provide water for wildlife on hot days and during freezing winters by putting out bowls or dishes of water. Just remember to clean them regularly and change the water if it becomes fouled or dirty.
You can also create a water station for pollinators. All you need is a shallow dish or tub lined with pebbles to give the insects something to stand on so they don’t drown and enough water to fill the base of the dish/tub without covering the pebbles. It’s important not to put sugar solution in the water station as this can spread disease and also prevent bees and butterflies from properly gathering nectar.
MAKE A HOVERFLY LAGOON
Hoverflies are just as important as bees, butterflies and beetles when it comes to pollination. Yet not that many people seem to be aware of the important environmental role that these beautiful creatures play, helping with the pollination of flowering plants as well as protecting crops from aphid infestations.
This is where you can help! As we are losing more of our wild spaces and natural habits hoverflies are also losing egg laying spaces and sources of food.
Many wild animals dwell within our parks (like Olympia Park) and other animal refuges. Despite their abundance, viewing wildlife is often a matter of luck and diligence.
Review the information below for tips to increase your chances of seeing wildlife during your visit!
Birds Where: Many bird species share Olympic's skies. Bald eagles, northern pygmy owls, black oystercatchers and sooty grouse are among the 300 species of birds found in the diverse habitats of the park. Visit our birdwatching page for more details and information on specific species. Safety: Help us protect our birds by not feeding them and watching them from a distance. Feeding birds can result in unnatural behavior, dependence on humans for food, and poor nutrition.
Black tail deer Photo by Campbell (c)
Deer Where: A common sight, black-tailed deer can be encountered in nearly all areas of the park. Deer often roam in the mountainous and forested locations within the park and tend to be more active during the morning and evening. Safety: Help the park keep our deer population "wild" and do not feed or approach deer. Always view these animals of a distance of 150 ft or more. Use extra caution while driving, as deer commonly cross the roadways.
Olympic Marmot NPS Photo/Zaidel.
Olympic Marmots Where: Spot these charismatic animals at Olympic's higher elevations. Trails near Hurricane Ridge and alpine trails make prime destinations for marmot sightings during the summer. Safety: Help us protect the marmots by viewing them from a distance and not feeding them.
Roosevelt Elk cow and calf NPS Photo/J. Preston.
Roosevelt Elk Where: Most elk sighting occur in Olympic's lower valleys and rainforests. Elk encounters occur throughout the day, but are most common during dusk or dawn. Safety: With their sharp antlers and hooves, an elk encounter can be potentially dangerous. Use caution when viewing elk, especially during the spring calving season and fall rut or breeding season. Do not approach elk and maintain a distance of at least 150 ft. If you encounter an elk on a trail, make noise, avoid eye contact, and move away slowly.
Coho salmon NPS Photo/J. Preston.
Salmon Where: Olympic's rivers are home to all five species of Pacific salmon, as well as anadromous steelhead and bull trout. Although there are salmon migrations throughout the year, fall is the best time to view the salmon's dramatic upstream journey. Most rivers in the park host a fall salmon run, but the Salmon Cascades Overlook in the Sol Duc Valley provides one of the best views from late September to Early October. Visit our anadromous fish page for more details about salmon. Safety: Check the fishing regulations and river conditions before you go if you plan to fish or boat.
NPS Photo/B. Baccus.
Whales Where: Part of the whale trail, the Olympic coast offers many opportunities to view whales during their migration seasons of April - May and October - November. Prime whale watching sights include Kalaloch, Rialto, and Shi Shi Beaches. Safety: Always check a tide chart before heading out to view whales, especially if you plan to hike along the beach. Plan ahead to ensure that you are not caught unaware by high tides. Tide charts can be acquired at open ranger stations during the summer season. Report stranded whales and other marine mammals to the nearest ranger station.
Black bear NPS Photo/Zaidel.
Black Bears
Where: Black Bears are seldom sighted in areas with high human presence, such as roads and Visitor Centers. Most sightings, while rare, occur along backcountry trails. Safety: Never approach a bear. Maintain a distance of at least 150 ft. Backcountry campers are required to carry and store all food and scented items in a bear canister. These can be acquired at our Wilderness Information Centers. For further details, visit our wilderness safety and wilderness trip planner pages.
If you want to know how to track animals in the woods then get ready to embark on an exciting journey of excitement and discovery.I love this topic...I'll never forget the first time I followed a fresh set of snowshoe hare tracks in the woods. I was amazed by how much could be read in the trail of that animal. I saw how it stopped to feed on a shrub. I noticed the scattered droppings along … [Read more...]
One really fun nature activity for kids is animal tracking – looking for signs that an animal has been around a certain area and working out which animal it is. It’s fun and accessible – even toddlers and little kids can do it.
So what do you need to get started?
In actual fact, you need very little. Perhaps a book on animal footprints and signs (I like the Usborne spotter guides), but other than that, you just need to keep your eyes open.
What to look for:
Footprints
The most obvious of tracks are footprints. Check out any muddy areas or look for prints in snow if it’s winter. Can you find anything? Dog paw prints are probably the easiest to find and recognize and it’s worth knowing these in case you find anything different. What about bird prints – if you ever go for a walk near water can you see any webbed prints from ducks?
Making a plaster cast of prints is a good activity for keen children – there’s a guide to how to do this here.
Fur or feathers
Finding birds feathers and identifying them is a good way to get started too – how often are feathers picked up by kids with eagle eyes? Can you tell the type of bird? What about the size of it?
Keep an eye out for fur being caught on fences too.
Poo and pellets
Another obvious one and something that most kids are fascinated by! Animal poo is a a classic way to tell if an animal has been around and again, unfortunately, dog signs are the most prolific. It goes without saying as well – no touching of poo! Take pictures if you want to try and identify it later. Rabbit poo can be found easily, or sheep and deer poo if you’re off on a walk in the countryside.
Owl pellets are an interesting thing and if you know where some owls are then it’s definitely worth keeping an eye out for them. They are the fur and bones that an owl can’t digest so they cough it up as a pellet and discard it. If you can find one a quite fun activity (some might think gruesome) is to try and dissect the pellet and see what the owl has been eating. Put it in some water to soften it up and use tweezers to remove and separate the bones – you might even find a skull in there!
Scratches
Can you see any signs of animals scratching trees or posts?
Trails and worn paths
Lastly, something to look out for is trails and worn paths that don’t look like they have been made by humans. If you see paths leading to dense bushes or under fences you might have found a path that animals take regularly. Why not look around and see if you can spot any other signs?
How to identify animal burrows and holes
By Steve Harris
Published: March 14, 2022 at 9:21 am
Ever wondered which animal has made small holes in the ground? Or what animal that burrow you’ve spotted belongs to? Winter is the best time to look for mammal holes made by burrowing animals, because as the vegetation has died back, holes and burrows are easier to spot. In addition, species such as badgers and foxes aren’t breeding, and so you’re unlikely to disturb them. If you’re really lucky, fresh snow or wet mud will also preserve tracks leading to the holes, and these will help you identify their occupants.
When I was first learning to track animals, often the biggest challenge was knowing where to find real tracks to practice with. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot of great strategies, and even developed some unique approaches of my own that help me find really cool tracking spots whenever I visit new locations. The best places to find animal tracks are any environment with lots of mud or sand… … [Read more...]
One of the big challenges whenever we find tracks outside is knowing just how long ago that animal was here. If your goal is to eventually find the animal, it really helps to know whether a trail was freshly made or if you’re still quite far behind. Luckily there is a bit of a science behind aging tracks. If you know what to look for you can gain a practical accuracy at knowing which tracks … [Read more...]
Animal tracking is a lot like being a detective. Every track and sign is another clue that tells us valuable information we can use to read the fascinating stories of local wildlife. Most trackers primarily focus on what kind of animal left a track, and while this is definitely a valuable skill, it’s really just the beginning of what’s possible. With good observation & critical … [Read more...]
Quest: Learn how to identify wildlife in your Area
Our wildlife ID guides will help you identify a range of wildlife – both in the garden and further afield. Here are some garden species to look out for:
Birder and author David Lindo explains the difference between bird calls and bird song, and how to learn how to identify bird song from different species.
Small predators, such as stoats and weasels, often live in holes stolen from their prey, and even pine martens have been recorded living in badger setts. So don’t be surprised if you find some strange bedfellows.
Bank voles, wood mice and yellow-necked mice can dig extensive burrow systems, often under tree roots.
Wood mice dig burrows in cereal fields and similar open situations.
The tunnels are generally only a few centimeters below ground, with entrance holes about 3cm in diameter.
Mouse holes are often camouflaged or blocked with debris, such as small stones, clods of earth or twigs. Tunnels – particularly those of the bank vole – frequently connect to runways above ground through dense vegetation.
Rats dig holes similar to those of water voles, 6-9cm in diameter. They are usually close to water but are also found in a variety of other habitats such as hedgerows, rubbish tips and often under cover such as tree roots and logs.
Unlike water vole holes, rat holes generally have a fan-shaped mass of freshly dug soil outside and the holes are connected by well-trodden runways.
Badger setts range in size from one to more than 50 holes.
They are usually found on the edges of woods, but can be found in virtually any habitat, including open moorland.
Badger holes are 20-30cm in diameter, wider than they are tall and shaped like a ‘D’ on its side.
A network of broad paths often leads to badger setts. Fresh bedding may be found outside holes, especially in winter, and old bedding can be seen in spoil heaps.
Coarse black and white hairs can be found in freshly dug soil or roots.
Droppings or scats can tell us a lot about which animals have been visiting our gardens, parks and countryside, including hedgehogs, foxes and badgers.
Foxes use holes most intensively when breeding in spring. At other times of year, they often prefer to lie up above ground, except in the most inclement weather.
Fox burrows are more properly known as fox earths.
Generally, only a few holes, sometimes with extensive spoil outside. In winter, many holes are dug out in preparation for spring – sometimes the debris includes the remains of foxes that have died underground.
Fox burrows are generally taller than broad, around 20cm in diameter.
Fresh food remains are usually only found outside the holes from April to June, when cubs are present.
Rabbit warrens are especially common on slopes and banks, where drainage is better.
Generally an extensive burrow system, but single-entrance burrows are used for breeding and lying up.
There may be extensive spoil outside the holes of rabbit warrens, which are 10-15cm in diameter and usually slope inwards at a shallow angle.
Rabbit droppings and tufts of fur are frequently found outside burrows. There will be extensive signs of grazing close to burrows, especially on edges of arable fields.
Summer! My favorite time of year! It’s also that time of the year where the excitement only lasts for so long. Living in Phoenix we love being out in the sun (yes even in the summer) and one of our favorite things to do is to hike or go on nature walks!
A nature walk can be as simple as just walking around and looking at or picking up whatever the kids find interesting! You can make up stories, talk about what they found or just let them lead the way!
Don’t forget the sunscreen, especially out in the full sun! We packed some of the new Banana Boat® SunComfort™ Clear UltraMist® Sunscreen because it’s moisturizing (hello dry desert) and the sand (or in our case dirt) actually brushes right off and doesn’t get stuck to your leg if you sit down. My boys hate that! It’s also waterproof which is needed when you’re using water to cool yourself off!
To make our nature book, I let the boys take photos of their favorite plants and animals along the way.
After a long hike, lots of water breaks and enough fun in the sun, we headed home.
I printed off a few of the photos they took along with our nature book printables:
Want to look for owls? Head out with family and friends and follow these owl prowl tips.
What You Need
bird field guide
field journal/notebook
What You Do
Whooo’s There? The best way to track down owls is with your ears. The best time to listen for them, of course, is at night. Check a bird field guide to find out which owls live in your area, where to look for them, and what sounds they make. Also check out online guides: owlinstitute.orgallaboutbirds.org
Night Noise In the evening, listen for owls hooting, tooting, whistling, or trilling. Late winter and early spring are usually the best times to hear owls calling for mates. The hoots of a great horned owl sound like this: hoo-hoo-HOO hoooo hooo. A barred owl seems to ask, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”
Give a Hoot If you get lucky and hear an owl, try to imitate the call and hoot back. Sometimes you can start a conversation!
Eye Spy Return during the day to places where you heard owls calling. Look for whitewash, owl pellets, and owl feathers. If you find some, check carefully up in the trees. There might be an owl tucked next to the trunk or perched on a limb.
Stick Figures Keep track of trees in the area that have stick nests in them. Go back to those trees in late spring to see if an owl mom is using any of them. Take binoculars so you don’t have to get so close that you disturb her.
Take Note Keep owl-prowling notes in a field journal. Sketch a map of any owl hot spot you find and keep track of what you discover there over time. Use your field notes again next year to see if owls start a new family in the same area.
Don’t hear any owls? Don’t worry. Try again another time or in another place. Or just enjoy all the other night sounds you hear!
How To Find Owls: 7 easy steps to see owls anytime you want!
Have you ever seen an owl up close in the wild?
Owls are some of the coolest birds on the planet. They’re known for being incredibly stealthy nocturnal predators with highly efficient hunting skills.
Yet unlike a lot of other sneaky predators we hear about in storybooks & nature shows, owls are actually surprisingly easy to find in real life (when you take the right approach).
In my personal experience, the easiest way to find owls is by following alarm calls made by songbirds around dawn or dusk.
It simply requires knowing a few basics about owls & how songbirds react to owls, combined with searching in the right location, at the right time of day.
So today I’m going to share everything required for you to actually do this successfully in your local area.
Most people think seeing owls is a random occurrence, but when you take the right approach, it is actually possible to find owls pretty much anytime you want.
So let’s break this entire process down into 7 steps that will help you find owls in your local area!
1. Learn About Your Local Owl Species
If you want to be able to find owls, it’s helpful to know what types of owls are actually living in your area.
This is useful because owls come in various different size categories with behaviors that adapt to specific habitat types.
We need to answer two basic questions about your local owls:
Does your area have large owls or small owls or both?
What’s the habitat type where owls in your area live? (Deep forest vs open farmlands vs desert, etc.)
Luckily, most places only have a few different types of owls, so this is just a matter of knowing which ones live in your bio-region.
For example:
If you’re in farmland with lots of open fields dotted with tree islands then you’re probably looking for something like a Great Horned Owl.
If your area is more forested with miles of trees covering the landscape, you’re more likely to find large forest owls like Barred Owls, or small forest owls like Pygmy Owls.
There are also small desert owls like Burrowing Owls, and owls who live in the suburbs right around people like Screech Owls.
These differences in size and habitat all play into knowing where to look when you actually get outside to track and find owls.
You can easily find out what kind of owls live in your area by checking local bird resources like field guides or local government species lists.
A quick google search for “owls + your location” should bring up everything you need for this step.
In a later step, I’ll share an amazing resource to help you identify not only what types of owls are most commonly seen in your area, but also the exact locations where they’ve been positively identified.
2. Find Owl Habitat Near You
The next step is to find out where owls are most likely to be living in your local area – Where should you actually go to find owls near you?
Luckily, owls occupy a huge variety of ecosystems. They can survive in deep forests, meadows and farmlands, even in urban & suburban backyards.
This is great news for locating owls because it usually means you never have to go far in order to find active owl territories.
However, the tricky part is that owls are also predatory birds, which means they do have fairly large territories.
This is a VERY important thing to account for on your quest for owls – you need to find an area that has enough range for owls to hunt a variety of small prey animals like voles, squirrels, snakes & even large insects.
Check for local parks, nature reserves, forests, agricultural areas, beaches, or anywhere that has a diversity of trees & plants providing habitat for owl food.
Study these natural areas on the map and pay attention to the overall size of the area it covers.
Pretty much any decent sized natural area that isn’t completely choked off with human development will have owls, especially if it includes a good mixture of trees & open landscape.
Simply make a list of several potential owl spots near you, and we’ll be investigating these places more closely in an upcoming step.
You might have to create an account with eBird to see some of this data, but it’s pretty amazing how much information is available there.
The recorded data will show you exactly where owls have already been seen nearby.
This can help you identify trends that tell you which species are most common in your area, and where they’ve actually been spotted.
When you find reports of owl sightings in your area, it’s worthwhile to go back over to google maps and use the satellite view again to study the vegetative patterns associated with these sightings.
Focus on big picture patterns, and you’ll be able to get a sense for what types of ecology support the highest owl populations in your area.
Pay attention to where owl sightings are most common in your area:
Are they all in the middle of a big forest?
Are they in farmlands?
Are they mixed landscapes?
In the future, we can use this information to know whether you should be looking in deep forest habitats or old farmlands, or even in city parks.
4. Search For Owls At Dawn Or Dusk
The next important question to ask is – when is the best time to see owls?
It’s important to search for owls at the right time of day if you want to maximize your results.
While it is possible to find owls at any time of day or night, usually you’ll have the best results at dawn and dusk.
This is because it’s light enough for you to navigate the forest and see what’s happening around you, but dark enough that owls are still actively hunting & doing interesting behaviors.
Owls are mostly nocturnal, but the transition between light and dark holds a special window of opportunity when owl activity overlaps with animals that are mostly active during the day. (see also – where do birds go at night?)
This is a time when songbirds are most likely to be directing alarm calls towards owls, which can be heard from very long distances & tell you exactly where the owl is located (we’ll discuss this next).
I would also say that spring & summer are usually easier seasons to find owls than autumn & winter. This is because owls are very actively nesting & hunting to feed the young.
These alarm calls are often quite loud and can be heard from incredibly long distances, especially when made by noisy birds like robins or crows.
Here’s a cool example of just how intense these alarm calls can be when made by a group of crows:
As you can see, the birds will all gather around an owl and make loud repetitive calls to scold and annoy the owl.
These alarm behaviors are so reliable that with just a few hours in the evening, you can become extremely skilled at finding owls pretty much anytime you choose.
I tested this method when I was living in the forest near Seattle and was able to locate 4 different types of owls in a single day in late spring… a Barred Owl, a Pygmy Owl, a Barn Owl and a Saw-Whet Owl.
The American Robin is one of the best songbirds for locating large owls like a Barred Owl or a Barn Owl.
Their voices travel a very long distance, which means you a greatly increased chance of hearing their alarms even in a massive forest.
Without the alarm calls, it’s like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Here’s a video I made of some robins that were alarming at a Barred Owl:
The important thing to notice in this recording is there are multiple birds alarming simultaneously together.
When birds make alarm calls in this pattern, it creates a syncopated rhythm that sounds like they’re trying to talk over each other.
This is a very consistent feature of alarms that are given for owls, especially when the alarm continues for a long period of time without moving.
Other birds that frequently alarm at owls include Chickadees, Northern Flickers, Sparrows, Juncos & Vireos… pretty much any songbird will do it though.
6. Make Sure You Can Explore Off Trail
While it is possible to find owls in that perfect spot right next to a trail, most of the time, you’re going to have to go off trail in order to get close enough.
This is because you need to listen and investigate the possible sources of alarm calls that will be happening in some distant corner of the landscape.
If you start running into fences & no trespassing signs, it’s going to greatly limit your ability to investigate the action.
I can’t tell you how many times I heard obvious mobbing behavior happening in a neighbor’s backyard where I simply couldn’t access the spot to check things out.
This goes back to step 2: Owls have large territories so you need to go somewhere you can really cover distance and follow those alarm calls.
Look for wilderness areas where you can go off trail, old forest roads or a big park somewhere. Google satellite imagery really comes in handy here.
7. Approach With Care & Respect
As with all things in nature, if you decide to go find some owls, please do it in a respectful way. It’s important to remember these are living beings who exist in life or death survival situations every day.When we approach with care & respect, owls can inspire incredible joy and reverence that brings many hours of learning & entertainment. My personal experience with finding hundreds of different owls using these methods is they are extremely tolerant of people.
I’ve never had an owl show any kind of upset at me, even when I’m close to their nests… but I have heard stories of people being swooped by large owls if you push too hard. In general, you just want to give as much distance as possible to not affect their emotional state. If an owl is relaxed, sleeping, or hunting, it’s okay to move a bit closer and get a nice view, but if they start to show signs of stress or frustration, you should back off.
Learn to move quietly & with sensitivity so you’re not putting out unnecessary negative vibes. This is especially true if you consistently cause owls to fly away from you.
Follow these 7 steps and you’ll be amazed how easy it is to find owls in your own local parks & wild spaces!
For a simplified cheat sheet, check out the bonus infographic with some key points to remember while searching for owls:
Have fun out there!
1.Always remember that animals tend to be most active at dawn & dusk. If you usually go into the woods at the same time every day… you might have better luck by switching to a different time.
Try getting out there an hour earlier, or an hour later. You might find that your adventures align more with times of heightened wildlife activity.
2. Pay attention to your own level of awareness & disturbance. The faster you move… the less presence you have and the more noise you make.
Remember to slow down your movement and get into your senses. Use your eyes and ears consciously. The best plan is often to quietly stop and sit down somewhere with a view. Learn how to stalk animals.
3. Animals tend to be most concentrated at points of high ecosystemic diversity. Look for the points in your landscape that have the widest variety of plants, trees, & habitat types.
An edge habitat is the place where forest meets field, or along the edges of water. These are places where animals congregate to take advantage of plant diversity.
Learn About Owls
Learn about how owls see, hear, and hoot.
What You Need
Binoculars
Flashlight
A squeaky toy
What You Do
Learn About Owls’ Eyesight
Owls have big eyes that help them see at night when there is little light. Since their eyes are so much bigger, owls can see in the dark much better than people can.
To demonstrate this fact, head outside some evening and name the things you can see. Then find a particularly dark corner away from electric lights. What can you see now? (The outline of a tree; stars, the silhouette of a bird or bat flying across the sky?)
Next, look through a pair of binoculars. Binoculars help bring in more light so it’s easier to see. How much more detail can you see? Even binoculars can’t make you see as well as an owl. Their eyes take in 100 times more light than ours!
Learn About Owl Sounds
Many owls hoot, but others screech, snort, and hiss. Practice your owl talk by listening to owl sounds at owlpages.com/sounds.
Then go outside and give a hoot or two. If there’s an owl in your neighborhood, it might answer your call.
Learn About Owls’ Hearing
Owls use their great hearing to hunt at night. Their ears detect the quietest rustle or crunch of leaves and grass. Those noises tell the owl a mouse or worm dinner is near.
While outside, close your eyes and listen as someone presses a squeaky toy and tosses it a few feet away. Try to figure out which direction the sound came from in order to find the toy. The flashlight is a fine backup, if need be. Shine the light up in the trees, maybe there’s an owl up there.
Creatures Of the Night
Go on a Nighttime Creature Hunt
Your kids may be familiar with the animals they see around your front yard, backyard and neighborhood in the daylight. But what happens at night? Will you still see the same animals – or different ones? Time to go on a nighttime creature hunt to find out!
Before you head outdoors at night, make sure to dress for the weather so everyone stays comfortable. All you’ll need to take along on your nighttime creature hunt is a flashlight, headlamp or glow sticks.
Nighttime Creature Hunt During your nighttime creature hunt, keep an eye out for creatures large and small. Some common animals in the city include spiders, owls, moths, raccoons and opossums – plus many types of insects.
There are a couple of ways to approach your creature hunt once the sun goes down. You can:
Pick a spot to sit and listen to the sounds of the night. Try to figure out where they are coming from. Then go investigate.
Go for a walk around your yard or neighborhood. Look in corners, on tree bark and under rocks to see what you can discover.
If you don’t wind up seeing anything, that’s okay! Talk about where the animals might be – and what they might be doing.
If the kids are up for it, write about your nighttime creature hunt in a nature journal.
Why Are Some Animals Nocturnal?
By Kayla FrattEarth.com staff writer
Staying awake at night and sleeping during the day is relatively common in the animal world. While this seems pretty strange to most humans (except for some of our ancient ancestors), there are plenty of advantages that make being nocturnal a smart evolutionary move.
Of course, it’s not those animals decide one day to switch their sleeping patterns. And truthfully, it’s almost impossible to truly say why a given trait arose. Here are some of our best theories for why some animals are nocturnal.
Why Are Some Animals Nocturnal?
There are fewer predators out at night. The vast majority of nocturnal animals are birds, insects, and mammals, not reptiles. A leading theory for why animals are nocturnal is that this trait evolved as a way to avoid being eaten by dinosaurs and other top predators back when mammals and birds started to expand as groups.
It’s easier to avoid detection at night. While many nocturnal animals have heightened senses of smell and hearing, it’s still a bit easier to avoid detection at night. The darkness helps both predators and prey move around a bit more stealthily. Prey animals use the cover of night to forage more safely, while predators capitalize on the same darkness to ambush prey more easily.
There are prey animals out at night. If you’re a predator who specializes in eating small mammals, there’s no better time to be outside than nighttime. Predators are generally more successful if they hunt while their prey is awake and mobile – so many predators hunt at night to match their prey’s schedule.
There’s less competition at night. Some nocturnal species likely developed this schedule as a way to reduce conflict over food sources. If everyone else in the neighborhood heads to the watering hole and the grazing field in the morning, perhaps it’s helpful for you to go during the off times.
Nighttime is cooler. Many desert animals are nocturnal for the evident reason that this helps them avoid the heat of midday. In scorching-hot parts of the world, being nocturnal is simply a good move. Water conservation is also an important aspect of avoiding the heat of the day. Moving around when it’s cool and dark avoids overheating and wasting precious water.
Many nocturnal animals are probably active at night for a combination of these reasons. Evolution is a slow process, and it’s almost impossible to say exactly which pressures caused each species to evolve in a given direction.
Special Adaptations of Nocturnal Animals
Nocturnal animals also have special adaptations to help them get around in the dark. Unlike humans, they generally don’t rely on their sight as their primary sense. Instead, they get around thanks to sensitive ears, whiskers (to sense nearby objects), and smell.
Of course, many nocturnal animals also have large eyes that are specially adapted to excel in low-light conditions. This is especially true for birds and nocturnal primates, which need to be able to see branches to land. Some animals, like cats, can see well both in daytime and at nighttime. Others, such as bushbabies and bats, have poor eyesight in the light.
Threats to Nocturnal Animals
Light pollution is a huge threat to nocturnal animals. Lights from cities cause changes in migration patterns and can confuse animals. Light pollution is a major problem for sea turtles and nocturnal migratory birds because they use starlight as a compass.
Human activity and disturbance are also pushing some animals to become more nocturnal. Read more about that here.
Climate change is also making some areas of the world much hotter and drier than they used to be, potentially pressuring some animals to become more nocturnal or crepuscular (preferring to be active at dawn and dusk) than they are currently.
Just as the rest of the world is going to bed the creatures of the night begin to emerge. This is a wonderful time to observe and discover a hidden world of wildlife you normally never see. The world is alive with at night with busy nocturnal creatures from little moths, bats and owls to hedgehogs, foxes and badgers. All you need is a flashlight, warm sensible clothing and a safe space to explore. We also like to pack hot chocolate and a blanket with us to warm up with if it gets too chilly.
This activity gets students thinking about the changes that happen between day and night. They will walk around your outdoor space drawing or writing things they can see in the daytime. They will then think about what would be different at night. Is there anything they won't be able to see? What new things do they think they'll be able to see.
The change of light at twilight brings a beautiful array of colors across the sky as the sun sets or rises. How about taking some paints and paper or a camera with you so you can capture all the different colors you see. Its a good opportunity to talk about how light is actually made up of several colors.
As darkness falls resist the urge to turn your flashlight on straight away, instead sit somewhere quietly and comfortably and listen. You are more likely to hear the tell tale noises of animals rustling around you than see them straight away. Owls often call out in the dark as they hunt and look for mates. The woodland trusts have lots of sound clips of owl calls and a great guide to identifying owls here. If you have an affinity for owls, you can download your free North American Owl Checklist here. It features photos of each of the nineteen owls you can find in North America and gives you a place to write your experiences and memories.
Your kids might already be familiar with the animals they see around your neighborhood during the day. But what happens at night? See how many unique animals you can find. Look for spiders, owls, moths, lightening bugs, raccoons, opossums and more.
Also look out for bats that are just emerging from their roosting spots, they often flit and dive about darting here and there to catch insects. There are over 1100 species of bat in the world and 18 species of bat in the UK which youcan find out all about here.
Bats use echolocation to find their prey (which is mostly insects) and navigate in the dark. Echolocation is when a Bats makes a high-pitched noise (that is beyond our range of hearing) the sound waves can then echo and bounce off objects and back to the bats ear. They can tell the distance of various objects by how quickly the sound waves bounce back to them.
A nighttime wildlife ramble is a good opportunity to talk about how nocturnal creatures use highly developed senses of hearing, smell, as well as specially adapted eyesight to sense the world around them. Talk about what you can hear, see and feel in the dark. Carefully feel the grass and trunks of trees to explore different textures.
When you do turn your flashlight on you will probably catch a few moths fluttering around in the flashlight. Moths are an important part of the food chain as well as vital nocturnal pollinators. I always think of them as butterflies of the night because just like butterflies they transfer pollen as they feed on flowers. You can find out more about moths and how to attract and identify them here.
Spiders are also often more active at night when there are less predators and but more prey in the form of nocturnal flying insects.
The next easiest creatures to find are slugs and snails. They are often busy munching away on plants and moving about. If you have a veg patch or any vegetable plants chances are they will be crawling with hungry little critters at night. You could also try putting out a slice of cucumber or two and seeing what comes to visit.
Did you know there are three main varieties of snails to find? There is the common garden snail with its characteristic brown shell. Banded snails that have bands of stripes on their shells and glass snails which have shiny slightly translucent shells.
There are several other amphibians, reptiles and mammals you can spot at night. Look out for signs of toads, frogs, mice and foxes in your garden. If you are incredibly lucky you may see an elusive badger. The Hampshire Wildlife Trust have a great nightlife spotter sheet that you candownload for free here.
They can complete the next section just through discussion or find a time to go outside at night to complete the section. This could be done as a home learning project or on an overnight camp.
This comparison activity is great to get your little ones thinking about the different animals and their behaviors as well as beginning to understand how the earth moves around the sun. It's also an excellent way to at develop their observation and comparison skills.
There's quite a bit of science that can be discussed during a nighttime scavenger hunt --
temperatures are cooler when there is no sunlight,
visibility of the moon and stars open the doors for questions about astronomy,
many animals that aren't often seen (or heard) during the day can be viewed at night and
a person's senses are tested -- kids are more likely to use their sense of hearing when they explore at night since their sense of sight will be limited.
You'll probably need a flashlight for your search (and a jackettoo if you're heading out in the Spring or Fall)! Or take along some glowsticks for added fun. If you have a set of binocularswith night vision (these are seriously cool!) or even a pair of kids' spy gear night glasses--both will help to enhance your visionafter dark! Your kids will really enjoy exploring their neighborhood or a local park -- animals, stars, odd sounds and weird shadows.
This is also a really great activity if you have kids who might be scared of the dark -- it shows them that the world at night is more interesting than it is scary.
Photos below have links
Click on photo for link
FOR MORE NIGHTTIME ADVENTURES, CHECK OUT THESE OTHER AFTER-DARK ACTIVITIES:
Fireflies are one of my all-time favorite things about summer in the Midwest. It can be brutally hot and humid here during the long summer days, but something magical happens at dusk. As the heat fades away and the sun casts long shadows over the yards, you can start to see the faint twinkling of fireflies coming out to play.
Today, a few members of our Creative Team are sharing some of our favorite stories, childhood memories, and parenting moments involving fireflies. We hope you enjoy these stories and have the opportunity to experience fireflies for yourself. And be sure to stick around to the end because we’ve got a great educational resource on fireflies for your kids!
Firefly facts for kids
Fireflies are not flies at all – they’re in the beetle family. These beetles are special in that most of them have bioluminescence, the ability to produce light! They are sometimes called lightning bugs or forest stars. There are about 2000 different species, most of which are nocturnal. Adult fireflies use flashes of light to attract mates. The firefly larvae also flash their lights to warn predators that they have chemicals that make them taste bad (and can be poisonous). A chemical reaction within the firefly’s light organ produces the light—oxygen combines with calcium, adenosine triphosphate (ATP—the energy-carrying molecule of all cells) and a chemical called luciferin, when an enzyme called luciferase is present. Firefly light can be yellow, green or orange.
Fireflies are usually brown or black with yellow and red marks. Fireflies live in warm or tropical climates in the United States, Latin America, Caribbean islands, and South East Asia. In the US, they only live east of the Rocky Mountains. Fireflies like to live in damp (forests, marshes, leaf piles) and dry (backyards, meadows) areas.
Each species of fireflies has it’s own flash pattern. Males fly through the air and search for females with a species-specific light display. Some flash only once. Some emit “flash trains” of up to nine carefully timed pulses. Others fly in specific aerial patterns, briefly dipping before sharply ascending and forming a “J” of light. A few even shake their abdomens from side to side and appear to be twinkling. Simultaneous bioluminescence is an incredible phenomenon where all the fireflies flash at the same time! This only happens in two places in the entire world: the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in eastern Tennessee and southeast Asia. No one knows why!
Unfortunately, firefly populations are decreasing across the globe. When luciferase was first discovered, the only way to obtain the chemical was from fireflies themselves. Today, synthetic luciferase is available, but some companies still harvest fireflies, which may be contributing to their decline. Other factors that may be contributing to firefly decline include light pollution and habitat destruction—if a field where fireflies live is paved over, the fireflies don’t migrate to another field, they just disappear forever.
However, you can help! Mass Audubon has teamed up with researchers from Tufts University to track the fate of these amazing insects. With our help, they hope to learn about the geographic distribution of fireflies and what environmental factors impact their abundance. Firefly Watch combines an annual summer evening ritual with scientific research. Join a network of citizen scientists around the country by observing your own backyard, and help scientists map fireflies. Anyone in North America can participate in Firefly Watch. All you need to do is spend at least 10 minutes once a week during firefly season observing fireflies in one location (your backyard or in a nearby field). All firefly sightings—or lack thereof—are valuable! For more information on how to help, click here.
If your kids are interested in learning more about fireflies, our Creative Team member Katie Fox put together this incredible instant downloadable packet of materials all about fireflies. It comes with 9 pages of content and is the perfect addition to any summer, insect, garden, or nature study. This printable set supports multicultural learning and all of the content is fact-checked and paired with vintage illustrations to create beautiful nature learning activities. These pages and activities pair well with many nature-focused curricula, nature-based learning, Charlotte Mason and Montessori educational approaches, and so much more. They are very versatile and a great addition to any homeschool, classroom, or learning experience!
Do you have fireflies where you live? How to bring the magic of fireflies to your woodland garden
Capturing magic in your hands. A firefly lights up while it is being held.
Create the right habitat for attracting the firefly
Have you ever experienced the magic of a firefly, or better still, dozens of them lighting up the night sky?
If the answer is no, it’s time to get busy laying out the welcome mat for these intriguing little insects that can turn a summer night into pure theatre.
Like something out of a fantasy film, these warm glowing lights that emerge from the plants, grasses and trees in the garden for just a brief moment, capture our imaginations and, if you are like many of today’s gardeners, bring back memories of our childhoods when the woodlands, grasslands and even our own backyards were alive with the sparkling insects in desperate search of a mate.
It’s a shame that for so many of us, the experience is just a childhood memory.
That magical experience is still very much alive every summer in our backyard at the end of June.
And here’s why.
First, we live in an area where Fireflies are native to the area, but more importantly our garden is an invitation to them by actions we have not taken and steps we have taken to welcome them. There are about 2,000 different firefly species worldwide and, in North America alone, there are close to 200 different fireflies. It’s time to bring some into our yards.
An impressive display of fireflies beautifully synchronized in displays of yellow-green flashes in the Appalachian Mountains.
Let’s start with the actions we have taken to attract fireflies:
Turn bright lights off. You don’t need them. If you must, use lights on motion detectors.
We have allowed a large open compost of the finest woodland soil to develop untouched over many years. The larvae of fireflies prefer moist, woodland soil with plenty of organic material.
Steps we have not taken:
We have not picked up leaves in the fall, instead allowing them to fall naturally into our woodland where many of them gather around plants during the cold winter months providing safe, warm areas for insects
Refrain from cutting the grass on a weekly schedule in spring into early summer allowing it to grow longer than usual.
Choose not to use any broad spectrum pesticides in the garden and especially on the grass
A firefly grasps on to a blade of grass waiting for dark to put on its incredible light show.
What so many woodland gardeners may not realize is that our gardens are ideal habitat for fireflies, and like so many other insects, birds and butterflies, these unique insects are in real need of good habitat to keep their numbers up. Our gardens can be an important provider of that habitat if we are careful to provide the right conditions.
The firefly website is packed with information as well as guides and resources to help you develop habitat for these unique insects.
The Firefly Conservation & Research group besides being a fount of information for gardeners looking to create habitat for these insects, is a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 by a firefly researcher in Texas by the name of Ben Pfeiffer.
When Ben, a Texas State University biology major, beekeeper and certified naturalist with Texas Parks and Wildlife, noticed a decline in fireflies, he stepped in to help. He created the website with two missions in mind: One, to educate the public on threats to fireflies; and two, provide a public resource to help gardeners and landowners take the necessary steps to help fireflies.
“It was maybe 2008 when I noticed the fireflies in South Texas were disappearing,” Ben says. “There weren’t as many as I remembered when I was a kid. And then I heard a report on firefly decline on NPR Radio that confirmed it,” he states on his website.
So why should we help fireflies?
Well, for selfish reasons of course. How else can we turn our gardens into magical places where the show goes on for days (make that evenings) even weeks. Oh, and when the show is closed for the season, the larvae of the parent insects spend their time helping us gardeners by eating the snails, slugs and various other insects that call our garden home.
Can we ask for a better guest in our gardens?
More importantly, the habitats of fireflies, like so many of our native insects and pollinators are quickly disappearing. Researchers blame this disappearance on two main factors: over development and light pollution.
Firefly larvae prefer to live in the rotting, damp wood and forest litter around ponds, streams and generally wet areas. Ben explains in the firefly Conservation & Research website that: “Their environment of choice is warm, humid and near standing water of some kind – ponds, streams and rivers, or even shallow depressions that retain water….”
It doesn’t take much to realize that these type of areas are quickly disappearing in nature and certainly in many backyards where gardeners are too concerned about creating the “tidy” garden and any sign of standing water removed or saturated with insecticide.
Scientists also point to increasing light pollution as a source for the decline in fireflies. The light caused by humans is believed to interrupt firefly flash patterns, critical to their communication and mating patterns.
“Where fireflies once had uninterrupted forests and fields to live and mate, homes with landscaped lawns and lots of exterior lights are taking over. The reduction of habitat and the increase in lighting at night may all be contributing to make fireflies more rare,” the firefly Conservation & Research site states.
Larval habitat for fireflies is critical
Creating habitat for the larval stage is critical to attracting them to your woodland garden.
More specifically, “Fireflies spend up to 95 per cent of their lives in larval stages. They live in soil/mud/leaf litter and spend from 1-2 years growing until finally pupating to become adults. This entire time they are eating anything they can find,” the Firefly Conservation and Research website states.
If that’s not enough to convince you to do all you can to lay out the welcome mat, the adults that only live 2-4 weeks, put on a fireworks show for your enjoyment before laying eggs in the moist, organic soil of your woodland garden.
Fireflies fall under the winged beetles category (Coleoptera) and although they are best know for their bioluminescence used to attract mates, not all fireflies produce this light.
Depending on where you live, you may be blessed with an abundant of firefly species. If you are lucky enough to live in and around New England, you might be able to count up to 30 species.
According to the Firefly Conservation & Research website, fireflies can be classified “under five main subfamilies, with with the Photinus in the Lampyridinae subfamily being the the most common in North America. It measures about a half-inch long and produce a yellowish-green light.
The one you are likely to see in your backyard at night is the eastern firefly (Photinus pyralis). It sports a reddish head area with black and yellow striped wings.
In the United States in parts of the Appalachian mountains lives a firefly (Photinus carolinus) that performs an incredible display of beautifully synchronized displays of yellow-green flashes in May and June.
In conclusion
I urge every gardener to consider taking the necessary steps to provide habitat for the elusive firefly so that future generations can enjoy these magical insects not only in wild areas but in gardens around the world.
Take a few minutes to check out Ben’s informative website to get further information on how you can help the fireflies. You may also consider making a donation to his site and the work he is doing to help protect our magical summers for years to come. You can make a donation to firefly: Conservation and Research here.
Virtual Field Trips and Wildlife Webcams
Virtual Field trips:
Aquarium Live Feeds, Coral Reefs and Sea Life Webcams
Note: some feeds might show highlights at night time or a dark screen or when exhibits are closed. Be sure to check back during daylight hours for the webcam’s time zone!
Tropical Reef Camera: Field Trip to Aquarium of the Pacific
First on our aquarium virtual field trip: the Aquarium of the Pacific! The Tropical Reef Habitat is the largest exhibit (over 350,000 gallons of water!) at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California USA. It’s modeled after the reef system in the Blue Corner, one of the most famous and bio-diverse dive sites on earth. The Blue Corner is located in Palau, a nation of over 500 islands in Micronesia.
Penguin Habitat (Underwater): Aquarium of the Pacific
The underwater penguin exhibit at the Aquarium of the Pacific features Magellanic penguins, some of which were rescued from Brazil where they were stranded outside their native habitat. Identify the penguins by the color-coded tag on their wings and learn about their personalities by visiting the aquarium’s Penguin Guide. (Delightfully, one is named Admiral Fancy Pants!)
Next on our virtual field trip, we head over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California. This mesmerizing live feed is from the Pacific Sea Nettles exhibit here. While they look peaceful, the graceful tentacles of these jellyfish paralyze their prey. Their tentacles can be 12-15 feet long, and they’re found in coastal waters off Alaska to California, Japan, Kamchatka, the Aleutian Islands and the Bering Sea.
Sea Nettle Jelly Cam After Hours - Monterey Bay Aquarium
Our virtual aquarium field trip takes us next to the Kansas City Zoo. This zoo has been home to king penguins since 2013 in its Helzberg Penguin Plaza, but this is the first year they’ve had any hatchlings from eggs laid by their penguins! The exhibit contains more than 100,000 gallons of salt water and two ice flake machines to produce three inches of snowfall each day.
No virtual aquarium field trip would be complete without a stop at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago! Relax with their “Underwater Beauty” exhibit with angelfishes, wrasses, tangs and butterflyfishes. (I’ve included more educational resources from Shedd at the end of my article.)
Underwater Beauty - Shedd Aquarium Livestream
Coral City Camera: Miami, Florida
Let’s travel next to Florida, where an underwater camera features a livestream of an urban reef off the coast of Miami. The Coral City Camera provides a fish-eye view into the urban marine ecosystem that has developed around the human-made shorelines of Miami.
No virtual aquarium field trip would be complete without manatees! This manatee cam is from Homosassa Springs, Florida, which manatees use as a warm water shelter from mid-November to late March each year. The rest of the year, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is home to rehabilitated manatees; current residents include Ariel, Betsy and Electra.
If you’re interested in visiting Florida to see manatees in person, check out my guide to Crystal River and Homosassa with tips on how to find a responsible tour for interacting with these amazing creatures!
Kelp Forest Virtual Field Trip: Channel Islands National Park Cam
The next peaceful stop on our virtual field trip is courtesy of the National Park Service. This webcam live streams a kelp forest from Anacapa Island off the coast of California. Kelp forests are rich in biodiversity with hundreds of resident marine species. The undulating kelp and fish that swim by also make for a very soothing live feed!
Anacapa Ocean - Channel Islands National Park Cams
Shark Lagoon Cam: Aquarium of the Pacific
It’s shark week every week at this next stop on our virtual aquariums tour! The 10,000 square foot Shark Lagoon at Aquarium of the Pacific features a live webcam. Inhabitants include sand tiger, zebra and white tip sharks.
The next shark stop on our virtual field trip is from a live underwater cam beneath the Frying Pan Tower, 34 miles off the coast of Cape Fear, North Carolina. The tower is now obsolete, having been built in the in the 1960s to warn ships of the shallow waters nearby. While the tower is no longer used for its original purpose due to the development of GPS navigation, it remains an important habitat for sharks, fish, and other marine wildlife.
Shark Cam powered by EXPLORE.org
Open Sea Cam: Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Open Sea is the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s largest exhibit. Watch long enough and you can see yellowfin tuna, hammerhead sharks, pelagic stingrays, green sea turtles, dolphinfish (mahi mahi) and schools of Pacific sardines. Be sure to tune in every weekday at 11AM (Pacific) for a narrated feeding time.
Open Sea Cam After Hours - Monterey Bay Aquarium
Wrasse and Anthias: Aquarium of the Pacific
This virtual aquarium webcam is one of the most active and colorful live feeds, from the anthias and wrasses exhibit in the Tropical Pacific Gallery at the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Wrasse and Anthias Fish Cam powered by EXPLORE.org
This live feed offers a view of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s ocean view decks and relaxing sounds of the surf. From here, you can see bird and sea mammals like black cormorants, harbor seals and sea otters. It’s part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a federally protected marine area offshore of California’s central coast.
This live feed will resume in July, but it’s worth watching the highlights until then! Every summer, nearly 60,000 beluga whales travel from the Arctic to the warmer waters of the Churchill River in Manitoba, Canada. This live underwater cam is situated on the Beluga Boat, where you can get a whale’s eye view of belugas swimming, eating and nursing their calves.
Beluga Boat Cam - Underwater Cam powered by EXPLORE.org
In British Columbia, more than 150 orca whales spend their summer in Johnstone Strait at Blackfish Sound. This camera lets you watch up close as these whales exhibit something unique to this group: they like to rub their bellies against the smooth pebbles of the beach!
This livefeed features an underwater view of the rocky reef in Port Philip Bay, off the coast of Melbourne, Australia. The camera is solar powered, so it shows highlights when offline.
Reef Cam highlights - Your Window into Port Phillip Bay
I’ve saved the cutest for last on this virtual aquarium field trip: sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium! There are currently 5 in residence, including Abby, Ivy, Rosa, Kit and Selka. All are rescued and unable to be returned to the wild, but they often serve as surrogate moms for rescued pups. Find out more about their stories and cheeky personalities here and tune in every weekday at 1:30PM (Pacific) for a narrated feeding time.
Bonus Aquarium Field Trip Stop: Otters at the Vancouver Aquarium
Bonus Aquarium Field Trip Stop: Ocean Voyager Webcam
Hop over to the website of the Georgia Aquarium to see their Ocean Voyager exhibit, which contains rays, whale sharks, green sea turtles and many other forms of aquatic life. While you’re there, be sure to check out their southern sea otters and California sea lions webcams.
The Ocean Voyager exhibit at the Georgia Aquarium
Bonus Stop: National Aquarium Blacktip Reef Exhibit
Visit the website of the National Aquarium in Baltimore Maryland to see the livefeed of their Blacktip Reef exhibit, a recreation of an Indo-Pacific reef, as well as their Pacific Coral Reef and Sea Nettles exhibits.
Yellow tang in the Pacific Coral Reef exhibit at the National Aquarium.
Ocean Education Resources for Educators, Parents & Others
Looking for more resources for developing lesson plans or distance learning experiences centered on aquatic life and the world’s oceans? Check out this resource list!
The Ocean Exploration Trust and its Nautilus exploration program have education resources online. Check out the different education themes or browse by resource type including learning modules, mini-lessons, activities, games and coloring pages. Learn more about its expeditions here.
PBS’s Jean-Michel Cousteau has online Ocean Adventure resources targeted mainly toward middle school students.
The New England Aquarium is offering virtual visit resources with at-home projects and video presentations. They also have paid virtual animal encounters for groups via Zoom, including their penguin and marine mammal exhibits.
All animals have to drink water to survive. So, any fresh waterway is going to have a considerable amount wildlife near them. This is especially easy to see when I am in the Finger Lakes area in New York. Creeks, springs, marshes, lakes, rivers and wetlands are all over the place. Almost a half of my acreage is a marsh.
In the Ocean Notebook, students will use a combination of written narration, drawing, and labeling alongside Ocean Anatomy by Julia Rothman to learn all about life in the ocean, layers of the ocean, the ocean floor, coral reefs, tide pools, and much more.
FREE Types of Whales Matching Game – this printable game is a great way to introduce your elementary students to twelve different types of whales.
Annette has written a post that goes deeper into what a habitat is and how to study the different landforms and habitats that make up our world. There are tons of free resources included as well:
Explore the woodlands and wildlife that you can find there
My Wild Life
"When it comes to exploring in the country forests, parks or even in your backyard -these are my personal favorites!!! These ideas have been used and updated several times since I graduated from college in 1982. So find your favorite greenspace and try them out."
Whether you are enjoying the water, crafting, constructing, or simply hiking and picnicing with family, the forest is full of health benifits for you and your children and provides great shade from the bright summer sun.
Have you stopped to take a closer look at what’s on your doorstep? There’s lots to be found if you look hard enough. Join Sophie and become a garden scientist!
Claire shows us how you can make your own string from the dried stems of stinging nettles. You could make a bracelet, use it to lash poles together for a shelter, or use it anywhere you need…
Join Tom as he takes us on a lesson in birdsong! Listen for the trills and patterns in their song to help identify birds when you hear them out your windows or on your walks.
This craft is great for getting outdoors to explore, and also for days snuggled inside. Get out to collect lots of different coloured leaves, and you're ready to go!
Story stones are a great way to get inspiration for making stories. Making the stones is good fun, and you can use them over and over again in different ways!
Whether feeding the birds, or sowing a wildflower patch, setting up wildlife areas in your school makes for happier, healthier and more creative children.
Pots and containers are a great way of introducing wildlife features onto patios, or outside the front door. They are also perfect for small gardens or spaces like window ledges or roofs. Herbs,…
Pots and containers are a great way of introducing wildlife features onto patios, or outside the front door. They are also perfect for small gardens or spaces like window ledges or roofs. Herbs,…
Woody shrubs and climbers provide food for wildlife, including berries, fruits, seeds, nuts leaves and nectar-rich flowers. So why not plant a shrub garden and see who comes to visit?
Take part in The Wildlife Trusts' 12 Days of Wild Christmas! We're encouraging everyone to spend 12 Days Wild this year, and get outdoors during the festive period. Sign up and we'll give you lots of advice and tips to help you to take part.
Worms are an easily overlooked part of the garden – they’re underground after all. But a garden with a healthy worm population is the starting point to one that’s alive with wildlife!
Heathland and chalk grassland is awash with pinks and purples from August's wild flowers. Find out which plant species and other wildlife to look for this month across our nature reserves.…
Although many animals hibernate over winter and flowers await their rebirth in spring, wildlife can still be found across our counties. See what you can spot this month.
The effects of house building and infrastructure development on wildlife, or how you can’t simply move wildlife elsewhere, and create new habitat instantly.
This month it's all about birds! We've been joined by many species that have come to the UK to escape the colder winter on the continent. From lakes and rivers, to hedgerows and car…
Meadows are truly special places, full of stunning wild flowers and alive with the colour and industry of insects such as butterflies. So why not make a miniature meadow in your garden! Ben's…
Quest: Spot Signs of Deer in the Area: Beds, Scat, Feeding
Whenever you’re tracking deer, you also want to keep your eyes out for other signs besides just the tracks. Deer scat is easy to identify as a cluster of small pellets with little dimples and a pointed tip.
Deer droppings can also form as a cow-like patty at times of year when their diet has lots of tender green moisture. Also pay attention for feeding sign like the chomped tips of this ash sapling.
Whenever you notice deer traveling along the edges of fields, look for torn off vegetation with frayed edges. Try to learn their preferred food sources at all times of year because this will really help you predict where to find them. In fall, you can keep your eyes out for fresh scrapes and signs of rut activity.
Scrapes happen in fall as the males lose their antler velvet and begin roaming in search of females. Deer beds look like patches of matted down vegetation. Day beds are typically hidden in sheltered locations, while nighttime beds can be found out in the middle of open fields. I often look for deer beds under the sheltered branches of big pine trees, and it’s a good thing to watch for whenever you follow a trail.
How To Tell Male vs Female Deer from Their Tracks?
Telling male vs female can be quite challenging from tracks alone, but there are several clues to keep in mind.
If you notice very small tracks mixed with larger tracks in a herd during spring or summer, this is most likely a female group with fawns.
Males have broader chests, and females have wider hips. Therefore, in males, the front tracks will land slightly outside the hinds. In females, the hinds will land slightly outside the fronts.
Tracks on the highest end of size ranges will most likely be mature males.
If you notice large solitary tracks during fall, this is very likely a male, especially if you’re seeing signs of rut activity like scrapes and rubs.
Solitary tracks are more likely to be males at all times of year, but there are also bachelor groups you can encounter during spring & summer, so don’t rely on this alone.
Always look for multiple clues to support or disprove your hypothesis about male vs female.
The difference is subtle so this is definitely an advanced skill… Give it lots of practice and dirt time!
Thanks for joining me on this adventure into the exciting world of deer tracking. Stay safe & respect your local wildlife… Have fun out there!
Where are the tadpoles? How to make an easy observation pond...
Tadpoles: Catching, Raising, and Observing Metamorphosis
Think back to your childhood and recall some of your happiest moments. What were you doing? Where were you? Who were you with (if anyone)? Last evening, my family was out on a late evening walk to go look at the fireflies that grace us with their diamond-like sparkling at dusk on these warm summer nights. The wetlands near our house seem almost magical with the thousands of fireflies that surround us as we stroll down the path. The sight of the twinkling fireflies always inspires my daughter to break out in her sweet, made-up songs while the rest of us listen, smile, and walk quietly beside her.
As we made our way back home, we all started to talk about what makes us happy (I guess the fireflies inspired us). All of our answers contained one commonality: being outside. Happiness for me is hiking, spending time at the cabin, and gardening; my husband said playing soccer, fishing, and camping; my daughter piped in with spending time with the chickens; and my son said exploring or treasure hunting. Now, my son doesn’t go treasure hunting for items like money, jewelry, etc., he, for the most part, hunts for natural treasures. Like tadpoles!
Catching Tadpoles
Late in the spring, when the edges of the lakes or creeks begin to warm up from the sun, tadpoles start to emerge from their eggs and swarm the shallow waters. This year my son had his trusty sidekick (my daughter) join him in his treasure hunt for tadpoles. The two amigos collected the supplies needed for the hunting expedition and set out on their tadpole hunt.
Supplies needed for tadpole hunting:
bucket
minnow net (using hands works too)
With feet sloshing in and out of the shallow, warm water, my son and daughter slowly and carefully tiptoed through the marshy edge of the lake. Within minutes I hear: “Oh my gosh! There are millions of tadpoles in here! Mom, you have got to come and see this!” I could read the excitement on my kids’ faces as they scooped up tadpoles and plopped them in the bucket.
My son also pulled out some type of aquatic grass to add to the bucket, not only to give the tadpoles shade if they needed it, but to give them food and oxygen too. After collecting quite a few tadpoles, we brought the bucket home and constructed a nice home for our tadpoles to grow in.
Building A Make-shift Tadpole Pond
A tadpole home needs:
Fresh water from a lake, pond, or creek (tap water has too many chemicals for tadpoles to live in).
A large, shallow container (we use an old saucer sled).
Rocks or other items that break the surface of the water (when the tadpoles morph into frogs or toads, they need a way to get out of the water and breath air).
Food such as algae, natural organic matter that has decomposed on the floor of the lake, and other aquatic vegetation such as duckweed (most of these things can be found in the environment you found the tadpoles living in).
Observation
After bringing the tadpoles home, my children decided to explore the tadpole water as they added the tadpoles to their make-shift pond. For hours, the two of them sat exploring the creatures in the water with their net. Every new organism was put in a separate clear container for observation. They found, snails, clams, minnows, tiny water bugs the size of a deer tick, and a fresh water shrimp!
We have had the tadpoles in their pond for over a month now. According the Minnesota DNR, Minnesota frog and toad species can take a little less than two months and up to two years to make the metamorphosis from tadpole to adult frog or toad. Within the past month most of our tadpoles have begun to grow their legs and arms,
and some have morphed from the aquatic vegetarian with tails and gills, to omnivorous toadlets (that eat insects) with limbs and lungs.
The toads you see above still need to develop their tough bumpy skin, and at this stage, they are smaller than my pinky fingernail.
How is the rest of the pond life fairing? The duckweed in our make-shift pond has at least tripled in number, the aquatic grass plant is still healthy, and the shrimp, minnows, snails, and other aquatic species are alive and well. We have ourselves a healthy microcosm we get to observe each and every day. What a fun and interesting learning tool!
Microcosms are a self-contained model of something that is much bigger in size. Our microcosm is a pond, complete with tadpoles, shrimp, minnows, aquatic plants, snails, and mud. We’ve also had rain that continues to fill our pond with natural water a few times per week. This year, our pond has been completely self-sustaining. After setting up the pond, we’ve had to put no work into it. The only work we do is to sit and gratefully observe.
Embark On A Treasure Hunt For Tadpoles
Seeing the complete metamorphosis from tadpole to toad has been so much fun for our whole family. Once the last toad leaves our pond, we will return the water and the rest of the pond inhabitants back into the lake. I urge you to go outside on a treasure hunt of your own in search of tadpoles. Then you can enjoy a summer full of exploration, transformation, learning, and excitement by the side of your own little pond.
DIY Mini Observation Pond
The spring themes from Mother Goose Time are just so much fun. We like to go in depth with them because they are very science based. Last year my oldest worked on her Insect American Heritage Girl Badge while we learned about Bees and Butterflies. This year we got ourselves some pets to create our own observation pond seeing we don’t live near a pond and if we did it would be frozen over anyways.
Our observation pond is inside a 1-gallon fish bowl so it can get moved around easy. To finish the unit of the kids get to use their new knowledge to fill a 2.5 gallon tank with new plants, decorations, and such so our new pets can move up to a more suitable for long term home that will take less maintenance thanks to a filter, light, and internal heating system. For now lets go over how we built a mini ecosystem that can be drug around for observation.
HOW WE CREATED OUR OWN MINI OBSERVATION POND.
THE TANK FOR YOUR OBSERVATION POND
For us we needed something that can be moved around easy for the plans I have so we are starting with a one-gallon fish bowl. This is great for the few weeks we will be using it but not for a full-time home. We grabbed a cheap starter kit so we are not out a lot of money when we finish this unit. I love the idea of being able to use glass because you can observe them from all angles.
If we have a safe place to keep a larger tank close enough to the littlest ones for observation that I KNEW they could not destroy it we would skip the small tank but I have a feeling these guys are happier moving up to a shelf out of toddler reach when not used for lessons and it gives the big kids time to build the new home after they learn about the pond ecosystem.
If you want to bring wildlife into your garden, there is no better way than adding a pond to your space.
Wildlife of all sizes need water to live, the old saying “build it and they will come” must have been originally said about a pond.
Even a small pond can quickly attract a huge range of wildlife, including water boatmen, dragonflies, frogs and even newts. A complete ecosystem will arrive at your doorstep in a short time. In turn a pond will become a place for birds, hedgehogs and bat’s to drink and find food.
Now this all sounds epic. Are you imagining a large expansive pond surrounded by iris in some stately country garden? Don’t think you have room? Well I’m here to prove a pond doesn’t need to be big. You can even have a pond on a patio or balcony if you don’t have a garden!
What Size Should You Make Your Mini Pond?
Starting small is also a wonderful idea if you do have space. Starting with a container pond to gain experience nd succeeding in getting a small pond working well is a wonderful way to make sure your comfortable with the needs of a pond and you can always scale up.
We decided to add a mini pond to an unused area of our garden to help attract wildlife to our patch by using a garden trug .
This size is small enough to be safe around kids and large enough to attract all sorts of wildlife into our garden and safe enough to have around kids.
Kids love water and exploring pondlife and they learn so much about lifecycles, mini beasts, food webs and so much more.
You could use a washing-up bowl, a large plant pot with any holes sealed up, or an old dustbin.
Exploring the beach or in the coastal seas or ocean
How to Find Sea Creatures at the Beach
Want to know how to find cute sea creatures at the beach? It’s actually quite easy to find crabs, baby shrimp, fish, starfish, and seahorses! You just need to know where to look and the tools needed! Curiosity about the world starts with our littlest guys when they are still teeny, and we, as parents and teachers, must continue it with modeling and supported explorations like this. Happy beach time!
Look in the seaweed
Florida beaches have been littered with large brown sargassum seaweed lately. Sargassum is a type of algae that floats in large groups and never attaches to the seafloor. Animals like to live and camouflage in the floating seaweed islands.
Finding sea life at the beach is one our kids favorite things to do. This activity can keep them busy for hours. We love to learn about them and see what new sea critters we can discover. It’s important to always catch and release the sea animals back into the ocean.
A bucket with sea water. (Tip: the lighter the bucket the better you’ll be able to see the sea life)
What we find in the seaweed:
Ghost shrimp
Crabs
Baby fish
Seahorse
How to find sea creature in seaweed
Fill your bucket with sea water.
Net the floating seaweed and put it in your bucket and gently swirl around.
Say hello to your new sea friends!
The crabs you find will actually change colors. The start out as grayish color and as they live on the sargassum they will start to turn a yellow brown to match the surroundings.
More ways to find sea life at the beach
Under the sand you can find Atlantic mole crabs, locals call them sand crabs. We first discovered these during a trip to Siesta Key, Fl.
Tidal pools and during low tide is when you can find starfish, mussels and sea snails the best. Always look near the rocks.
In the seagrass is where seahorses like to hang out. Be very careful when looking here as they’re very fragile. These are our favorite snorkels to find them.
When you think of Florida beaches you think of its turtles and crabs. Hope fell in love with the sea turtles in a St Petersburg Aquarium on our first trip to Florida, But it was hard to catch them in their natural habitat, so when we did, we stopped everything so she had the time to watch them. She became a part of turtle releases of the local conservatory and a protector and advocate for them on every beach during nesting seasons, once we moved to Florida. They are so fragile until they hatch. Here is a section with a couple of articles about the turtles and other marine animals on the seashores.
HIDDEN BENEATH THE SEA’S SURFACE
This is an amazing and little known world with corals, seahorses, whales, dolphins, seals and sharks! Marine habitats include undersea cliffs, caves, chasms, mountains, dunes and plains. Our seas are home to thousands of creatures and plants but in many areas they are threatened by damaging activities. These include building and fishing. We need to make sure our wonderful marine environment is given the proper protection it deserves!
DID YOU KNOW?
Starfish may look cute and harmless, but they're actually predators with a big appetite. Their favourite food are mussels. To eat them, they use their hundreds of tube feet to grab onto the shell and pull it apart. It then pushes its stomach out of its mouth and into the mussel's shell. Enzymes then turn the mussel into a soup-like liquid - a starfish delicacy - yummy!
WILDLIFE TO LOOK OUT FOR!
BIRDS
Grab your binoculars and see what you can spot from the coast!
You don't have to travel the globe to see amazing marine mammals - we have plenty here! At different times and places throughout the year you can see seals, dolphins and whales!
Have you ever wondered what happens at the beach when you're not there? Join Dr Tasha Phillips as we delve into rock pools and walk along the shore line to find out!
Want to get crafty? Get some supplies together and make a puffin pencil pot with Jess from Lancashire Wildlife Trust's Living Seas team!
Should You Photograph Nesting Sea Turtles?
Photographing sea turtles is a controversial subject because they can be very sensitive to disturbance. If you really want to play it safe, the simple answer is don’t do it. All sea turtles are protected endangered species and need all the help they can get. That is why it so important not to impede their nesting behavior. However, it is possible to take a picture of a nesting sea turtle without disturbing it, assuming it is legal to do so where you are. First check local laws, rules and etiquette. Then, follow some of these tips. (These are generalities; different species behave somewhat differently.)
If you really want to photograph sea turtles, try snorkeling with them in Akumal, just up the road from Sian Ka’an
Etiquette Around Nesting Sea Turtles
Use a local guide if available. They understand turtle behavior and will also teach you about these amazing creatures.
Keep disturbance to a minimum. Move slowly and keep quiet.
Never approach a sea turtle from the front, always do so from behind and keep low.
Never approach a sea turtle as it arrives from the sea. They may feel threatened and return to the sea.
Use your flashlight sparingly. Never shine your light in a sea turtle eyes. If you must use your flashlight use a red filter.
Limit your viewing time to a few minutes.
Some guides will allow you to photograph a turtle while it is laying eggs because they tend to go into a “trance” during this time.
Digital Processing of Your Sea Turtle Photos
We recommend you never use a flash when photographing sea turtles, for the same reason you shouldn’t use flash lights. It may frighten a turtle back into the sea before she’s had a chance to lay her precious eggs or to bury them properly and protect them from predators. If like me you use a dim red light to expose the turtle for one second, then you’ll need to do some digital darkroom manipulation to get the colors right again. If you shoot raw, this is fairly easily accomplished using the white balance color sliders in the camera raw window of Photoshop. Slide the red/green slider toward the green and the yellow/blue slider a bit more toward the blue. It will probably be helpful to add some fill light as well and brighten the overall exposure. If you’re a more experienced Photoshop user, try adding a graduated filter to modify only the lower half of your image (the beach) so that you don’t throw off the colors in the sky too much. You can see my original and corrected images below.
Sea turtle photo before processing.
Sea turtle photo after processing.
Nesting sea turtle photo before processing
Nesting sea turtle photo after digital processing.
Those of you who are anti-photo-manipulation should probably avoid photographing nesting sea turtles (unless you don’t mind red photos). But for the rest of you, hopefully you will agree that these valuable tools offer you the chance to capture an incredible moment without jeopardizing the future of these endangered animals.
At the Delaware beach we visited–Bethany Beach–we had the opportunity to do some serious firsthand discovering; long walks, quiet hunts, a whole lot of digging, and an equal part of being still allowed us to find some real treasures: horseshoe crabs, ghost crabs (our first!), sand crabs, and more.
And the really cool thing is that no matter what beach you hit this summer–or any time of the year–you can do the same and find treasures of your own.
But I can’t stress enough that it has to start early! Curiosity about the world starts with our littlest guys when they are still teeny, and we, as parents and teachers, must continue it with modeling and supported learning from here on out. Happy beach learning!
Want to get your kids doing a little beach-hunting? Print out this Beach Scavenger Hunt before you head to the shore!
How To Tell if a Sand Dollar, Starfish, Egg Case, Urchin, or Sea Shell is Alive or Dead HAL BRINDLEY
Here are some quick tips on how to determine if a sea creature you find on the beach is alive or dead so you don’t accidentally kill any living animals when you’re trying to collect sea shells! For more great tips on eco-friendly seashell collecting, be sure to also read our other post A Guide To Ethical Shell Collecting!
How to tell if a sand dollar is alive or dead.
If a sand dollar is bleached white and appears completely bald (has no tiny “hairs” or spines on it) then it is definitely dead.
How to tell if a sand dollar is dead. It is white and completely “bald” with no small bristly hairs then it is definitely dead.
If a sand dollar is brown and velvety-looking, then it is probably alive. Look at the back and see if the tiny little spines are moving. If you’re not sure, let it be or return it to the ocean!
How to tell if a sand dollar is alive. Living sand dollars are brown in color and “hairy” looking with tiny bristles all over. Inset shows tiny spines on underside.
So, to answer the question are sand dollars alive? If the sand dollar is white and “bald” it is dead. If it is brown and hairy, it’s probably alive!
How to tell if a starfish is alive or dead.
Starfish get around using thousands of tiny tentacles, called tube feet, on the bottom of each arm. If you look closely at the underside of a starfish and see these tiny tentacles moving, then the starfish is definitely alive! If you don’t see movement but want to be sure, try touching the tube feet gently or placing it in the water to see if the tube feet start moving. If you’re not sure, leave it be or gently return it to the ocean! Plus they are notoriously disgusting smelling if you try to dry one for your collection. Why not leave it for the crabs and birds to eat?
How to tell if a sea star (starfish) is alive or dead: look for moving “tube feet” on the bottom of each arm.
How to tell if a skate egg case is alive or dead.
There are many beautiful egg cases that get washed up on beaches. One often found on the Atlantic coast of the U.S. is sometimes referred to as a “Devil’s Purse” or “Mermaid’s Purse”. It is the egg case for a skate (usually a Clearnose Skate) which is a close relative of rays and sharks. If a skate egg case is split open on one end between the “horns” and is empty inside then it is definitely dead and no longer has an embryo inside!
If the case is intact and has fluid inside, then it’s very possible that a living skate embryo is still inside. Try holding it up to the sun and looking through it to see if there is movement. In the photo below you can see a fairly undeveloped embryo, but it will eventually grow to be a perfectly formed small skate before the egg case splits open and releases the baby skate into the sea!
How to tell if a skate egg case is alive. If it is full of fluid, hold it up to the sun and look for the skate embryo inside!
Whether I see movement or not, I always return unopened egg cases back to the sea, just in case. Maybe that skate will save your life one day in return! Other beautiful egg cases include the long spirals of lightning whelks… and the strange masses made by various conchs and tulips.
Lightning Whelk egg cases washed up on the beach on Sanibel Island, Florida
A horse conch egg case on Sanibel Island, Florida.
It’s a lot harder to tell if these are still viable so I always return them to the sea.
You can try the same trick with whelk egg cases by holding them up to the light to look through them. If you see tiny things floating within a fluid inside, those are perfect miniature baby lightning whelks and probably alive!
If you see tiny blobs inside a Lightning Whelk egg case, those are hundreds of tiny Lightning Whelks inside!
How to tell if a sea urchin is alive or dead.
Living sea urchins have short or long spines protruding all over their bodies. If you find an urchin with the spines intact, it may be alive. You can try to carefully return it to the sea with a bucket or shovel. If an urchin shell is “bald” with no spines at all, and empty inside then it is definitely dead.
How to tell if a sea urchin is dead. If it is “bald” with no spines and is hollow inside, like these urchin shells on Sanibel, it is definitely dead.
By popular demand, this photo is now available as a print! (As well as beach towels, mugs, pillows, shower curtains, phone covers, and other cool products!)
Living sea urchins are covered with spines, but if it’s hollow inside like this one, then it is dead.
How to tell if a sea shell is alive or dead.
If a bivalve shell is intact, and both halves are tightly closed together, then there is still a living creature inside.
How to tell if a bivalve sea shell is alive. If the two halves of the shell are tightly closed together, like this Spiny Jewel Box, then it is alive!
You may also encounter living bivalves with their shell open that may be feeding in shallow pools or stranded by storms. If you touch them and they close their shell, then of course they are alive!
If you find a bivalve shell open, it may still be alive like this Cockle. If you touch it and it closes then it’s definitely alive!
If you’re not sure then err on the side of caution and place it gently back in the sea.
With spiral shells simply look inside! If you see anything in there, whether it’s the original mollusk or a hermit crab tucked deep inside, then it’s probably alive. Feel free to return it gently to the ocean! (Though if it smells really horrible then it’s probably dead.)
How to tell if a spiral sea shell is alive or dead. If you see any animal inside, it’s probably alive. If it’s moving like this Horse Conch then it’s definitely alive!
Many mollusks that live in spiral shells have what is called an operculum. It’s like a hard flat door that they use to close themselves tightly into their shell. If you seen an operculum blocking the entrance, then there is a living animal inside! If you’re not sure, leave it be.
How to tell if a spiral shell is alive. If there is a “door” closing the shell (the operculum) like this Lightning Whelk, then it is alive!
You can tell this Apple Murex shell is alive because the operculum (the tiny “door”) is tightly blocking the opening.
Wildlife that live near or in -lakes, streams, rivers and ponds
Freshwater Wildlife Ramble & More
Small children rarely need help staying engaged in nature. They are tiny scientists, testing the hardness of rocks, how different kinds leaves crumble, and the sound sticks make when you hit them together.
But as kids get older, sometimes they begin to lose their inborn sense of wonder and discovery. In turn, they easily get bored outdoors. With that in mind, I’ve decided to do a series on easy and fun nature activities that parents can do with kids. No skills or knowledge required!
IN THIS POST, I’LL DISCUSS AN ACTIVITY CALLED A WILDLIFE RAMBLE.
Canals, lakes and rivers are full of wildlife all year long, even during the winter months. So, you never know what you may come across, from the familiar sights of rabbits and foxes to a rear glimpse of badgers or otters. Therefore, you can walk their shores year around and still find a unique variety of wildlife that makes them among the country’s most important environmental assets. Here is our guide to spotting mammals along the waterways.
What is a wildlife ramble?
A wildlife ramble is exactly what it sounds like: a walk to look and discover signs of wildlife. A freshwater ramble is a hike along the shoreline of a pond, marsh, creek, river, lake or stream
In this activity you will:
Go outside with your kids in the forest, grassland or waterway near you;
Look and listen for wildlife. What do you see? What do you hear? Try to identify signs that wildlife leaves behind: tracks, scat, markings, etc. Do you see wildlife symbols like a metal lizard on the side of a house or a ceramic bird in the front yard? Why do you think people have these?
Talk with your kids about the types of wildlife that might live there. What do the animals eat? Drink? Where do they live? You’ll find a list of questions below that can be used to start a conversation with your kids about wildlife, habitats, animal behavior, the sky is the limit!
Continue walking and talking until you and your children are ready for something new. Make it casual and light-hearted! You may spend the first 10 minutes on a wildlife hunt and end up in a sword fight with a shrub. Just go with it and have fun!
What does wildlife mean?
Wildlife isn’t a term restricted for large or endangered species; wildlife is everywhere. You can find wildlife in the national forest, your neighborhood park, your front yard, and even your house (don’t look, but that spider you saw behind the toilet is still there!).
Our definition for wildlife is very broad. Essentially, it’s any animal that is not domesticated. That is, any animal that hasn’t been tamed, trained, bred, or kept as a pet. Wildlife are not dependent on humans for their survival and include insects, spiders, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, etc.
What should I take on a Wildlife Ramble?
You don’t need anything but curiosity to go on a wildlife ramble.
But, if you’re wanting to make the ramble a bit more focused and purposeful, here is a list of items you could bring:
A nature journal and draw the wildlife you encounter.
A camera so the kids can take pictures of the wildlife they see and later make a photo essay.
Binoculars. They give you the opportunity to get a closer look without scaring the animal away. (We are a family of birders and love identifying birds on our hikes. My kids and I both have our own pairs. Neither one of use want to miss anything!)
An old plastic container to collect insects for further observation at home. After you’ve studied your insect friends with a magnifying glass, return them outside (preferably in the place where you found them).
But none of these are necessary to enjoy a wildlife walk. All you’ll need are your children and a sense of adventure! Depending on how long you’ll be outside, you may want to bring water, snacks, and sun protection. Nothing ruins the fun of a wildlife ramble like a dehydrated, hangry, sun-burnt mom.
How do we find wildlife?
LOOK. Look for birds flying by or perched in a tree. Keep your eyes open for squirrels foraging along the ground. Turn over rocks and leaves to find insects. Wildlife is everywhere!
Depending on the time of the day, the season, or where you’re walking, you may have a hard time seeing wildlife. Don’t be discouraged! You can use other senses to uncover clues that wildlife do, in fact, live where you are.
LISTEN. What do you hear? Do you hear a bird calling? Maybe you hear an insect chirping? Point these sounds out to your kids and let them brainstorm what animal they think could be making the sound.
FIND CLUES. Do you see tracks in the dirt or snow? Do you see scat (animal poop) on a rock, baking in the sun? Perhaps you’ll find a leaf or branch with a large growth that looks like a plant tumor. All these are signs that some kind of animal has been there. Talk with your kids about what animal they think might have left the clues that you found.
Where do I go for a wildlife Ramble?
NEIGHBORHOOD. Your yard or neighborhood is a great place to start wildlife rambles. It’s familiar and I bet you’ll find that you already know many of the wildlife that live there. Rambling through your neighborhood also allows you to look for wildlife symbols like ceramic deer in the yard or metal geckos hanging on the walls of houses.
PARK. A park is a great place to see birds, insects, and small mammals like squirrels.
WILD SPACE. If you look closely, you’ll find a lot more diversity in wild spaces like national forest or state parks. This is because the plant life is more diverse. In wild spaces, you find endless rocks to turn over, birds singing in the trees, and insects along the ground.
YOUR HOUSE. Okay, stay with me here and don’t freak out. There are insects and arachnids living in all our houses, regardless of how good your exterminator is. If the weather is awful outside, why not spend an afternoon looking for wildlife in your own home? Where do you always find spiders? Why do you think they live there? If house critters bother you, this gives you a chance to find them and relocate them outdoors. In fact, make it a game! The kids will take care of the spiders and you can relax with a warm cup of tea without lifting a finger!
What do we talk about?
Here are some great questions to get a conversation going with your child:
What animal do you think lives here? Why?
What do the animals eat? Drink? Where do they live?
Judging from the scat, what do you think the animal ate? Based on their diet, what kind of animal do you think they are? Herbivore, carnivore, or omnivore? Can you guess the animal?
Based on the tracks you found, where do you think the animal was going? What type of animal was it: insect, reptile, bird, mammal, etc.? Why do you think it was that type of animal?
What if I don’t know the animal?
You don’t need to know the answer to all your kids questions, nor do you need to be able to identify everything you see. This activity is simply about getting outside with your kids and exploring nature together. If you don’t have a wildlife guide to look in, then snap a picture and Google it’s species. Then compare pictures and find out more about the animal together.
If you’re homeschooling or looking for fun science activities for weekends or school holidays – I’m sharing some of the best Science outdoor learning ideas and experiments, that you can do with kids in the garden or at a park. During lockdown homeschooling we had lots of fun with a socially distanced science field trip with…
A step by step guide to creating a ‘wildhood’ for your kids If you want to raise adventurers, explorers and save your kid’s imaginations – then this post is for you. These are our ideas for helping families get outdoors. I could tell you that my family spend all their days foraging for food and…
This series of colourful sheets contain photographs of living things that may be found in different habitats. They are useful to use when identifying different plants and animals. The sheets are:
Coastal
Conifer woodland
Estuary wildlife
Farmland
Summer Wader
These spotter sheets have been provided by The Wildlife Trusts.
This series of spotter sheets are useful when identifying common invertebrates in their habitats. The photographs of various ‘minibeasts’ include different species of bees, butterflies, dragon flies, moths, shield bugs...
This series of spotter sheets are useful when identifying living things in their habitats at different times of the year. They contain sheets for different species and types of bird and birds found in different habitats. The...
This series of spotter sheets are useful when identifying living things in their habitats at different times of the year. They contain sheets for each of the seasons include sheets which help to identify:
All animals have to drink water to survive. So, any fresh waterway is going to have a considerable amount wildlife near them. This is especially easy to see when I am in the Finger Lakes area in New York. Creeks, springs, marshes, lakes, rivers are all over the place. Almost a half of my acreage is a marsh.
Bats are really mysterious creatures, not helped by tales of vampires and images in movies. Going on a bat walk can bring you much closer to these animals and help you learn lots about them.
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Finding local bat walks
Quite often you’ll find that local nature groups or bat conservationists will run bat walks. If they do it’s a great introduction and can allow you to have a go of or at least see some bat detectors up close.
You’ll find that they run in the summer months, as bats hibernate through the winter and generally start at dusk. We found plenty by just googling local events and they all happily took children too.
Check out the Bat Conservation Trust to see if there are any events near to you – they also have some good pages with info about bats to learn more about what we have in the UK.
Go on your own bat walk
Of course you don’t have to go on an organised walk and it’s quite easy enough to go for a walk at dusk and see if you can spot some bats.
I find dusk the best time as there are lots of insects out that the bats eat and you can still see quite well. Sometimes it takes a while to get the timing right for them starting to come out, but once you do spot one it’s quite a sight. You can walk along places where you think bats will be – along side a pond or at the edge of a wood might be a good place to start, or even just outside your house in the garden. You don’t have to walk if you don’t want to – I bet that you’ll find lots just coming from local houses!
If you find some, take note of their flight paths. Different species of bats have different ways of flying and it’s one way of figuring out what’s around. Getting an illustrated bat guide like this one is a good idea to help identify what you see.
If you’d like to get more serious and get yourself a bat detector I can really recommend them. Unfortunately they’re not the cheapest bits of equipment, but if you go camping a lot or just have a real interest in bats, or your kids do, it can bring a whole new perspective to finding them.
This is the bat detector that we got. It’s a Magenta Bat 4 detector and is probably the cheapest reliable detector you can get. There are much more advanced ones with digital screens, but this one worked great for us. We’ve taken it camping in the UK, watched bats by the river in France and at home too! Because it picks up the echo location sounds as ‘pips’ on the detector it meant that we knew they were around and straining our eyes to find them was worthwhile!
The Bat Conservation Society also invite people to do a Sunrise and Sunset survey to help them get to know about the bats around the country. I think getting kids involved with these surveys are a great way to encourage them to learn about and get involved with nature more. The survey runs in the summer months of June, July and August, so still time for this year, and you can find out more information here.
Do you love getting your kids outside? Then you’ve come to the right place to find inspiration for outdoor activities for children.
I’m passionate about getting children outside and sharing outdoor activity ideas. Below you’ll find some fun outdoor activities for kids of all ages that can be done in the garden, on a woodland walk, at your local park or at the beach.
The best ideas for outdoor activities for children
I’m a big believer that we should get kids outdoors more. There are so many benefits for parents and kids of getting out in the fresh air which I’ll go into more about below. More importantly, though there are loads of things for kids to do outside.
The ultimate outdoor activity for kids has to be camping with kids, you’re literally outdoors 24/7. There is so much outdoor play time when you are camping. Find the best camping activities for kids here.
Looking for a gift to encourage kids to get outdoors? Find the best Outdoor gifts for boys and girls here.
Outdoor garden activities for kids
There are so many things you can do in your own garden. It doesn’t matter how much outdoor space you have, there are lots of easy outdoor activities you can do. Here are some ideas to get you started.
50 Things to outside at home whether you have a large garden or a small yard. You’ll find ideas like to try such as paint rocks, blow giant bubbles (if you’re in the UK we love * Dr Ziggs), making mud pies and setting up an obstacle course.
Another great thing to do with children of all ages is gardening. Find my full guide to starting gardening with kids here.
Another great garden activity is encouraging wildlife to your garden. You can add bird feeders and bug hotels or plant wild flowers. Why not then have a bug hunt. You don’t even need a magnifying glass but it is always fun to use one.
Outdoor activities for babies
There’s no reason to wait to spend time outdoors until your baby is older. Find lots of simple outdoor activities for babies here.
Outdoor water toys for toddlers
One of my kids’ favourite things to do in the garden is water play. A water table for younger kids is always a great addition to your garden but even a washing up bowl can lead to hours of fun.
Outside games for kids
Playing an outdoor game is a really fun way physical activity for kids. I bet you remember playing hopscotch, skipping, pooh sticks and many more games when you were growing up. Piggy in the middle and what time is Mr Wolf? are also fun games to play outside too. Find a blog post filled with ideas for outdoor games for children here.
Find your nearest nature trail or nearby park and take the kids on a walk. It’s a wonderful way to spend time outdoors with your family. There are so many things to find on a walk with kids and this can really help keep them engaged on a walk.
As well as finding things, there are many fun things you can do on a walk with kids, click through for a list of fun things to do on a walk. There are a few ideas below that we do all the time with our kids.
We love geocaching with kids. It’s great for older kids as it combines time outdoors with technology. It’s a modern day treasure hunt.
We love our Go find it cards for keeping in our explorer backpacks.
We love to take an adventure pack with us. A little rucksack with bits and bobs for entertaining the kids in it. Things like theseGeosafari Jr Kidnoculars Extreme review.
If you love family walks then you may want to start tracking how far you walk as a family in a month or a year. If so I have a set of free family walk tracker printablein 50, 100 & 500 miles or km for you to print out.
Woodland activities for kids
We love walking in the woods. So much so that I have a 5 day woodland challenge for you. You can have so much fun in the woods doing simple outdoor activities.
Find ideas for entertaining kids in the forest, things to make with woodland finds, books to read and even suggestions of some of our favourite woods to explore.
Small Woodland Garden Ideas: Crafting Cozy Forest Sanctuaries
Welcome to a world of enchanting possibilities with our curated collection of small woodland garden ideas. Explore innovative ways to maximize space and create a serene woodland oasis in your backyard. From lush plant selections to clever design tips, discover how to turn even the smallest outdoor areas into a peaceful haven that celebrates the beauty of nature.
Tips for a Small Woodland Garden
You can create a woodland garden even in a small space! The key is to scale down the elements and choose plants that are suitable for smaller environments. Here are some tips and ideas for creating a woodland garden in a small space:
Choose Dwarf Varieties: Opt for smaller or dwarf varieties of trees and shrubs that won’t overwhelm the space.
Focus on Layers: Even in a small space, you can create a sense of depth by using different layers, such as low-ground covers, medium-height perennials, and small trees or shrubs.
Select Shade-Tolerant Plants: Since woodland gardens typically have a canopy, select plants that thrive in shade or partial shade.
Use Containers: Incorporate pots and containers to add more planting areas and flexibility in design.
Create a Focal Point: Include a small seating area, a water feature, or a piece of garden art to draw the eye and create a sense of purpose in the space.
Vertical Gardening: Use vertical space with trellises, hanging plants, or climbing vines to maximize the planting area.
Paths and Clearings: Use small, winding paths to create the illusion of a larger space and add interest.
Small Woodland Garden Ideas
Discover the charm of nature with these 10 small woodland garden ideas. Transform even the tiniest spaces into serene woodland retreats, perfect for creating a peaceful escape right in your backyard.
1. Moss Garden Retreat
Create a lush garden with mosses, small ferns, and shade-loving ground covers. Add a meandering stone path, a wooden bench, and weathered rocks for texture.
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Plants: Create a lush carpet with a variety of mosses like cushion moss (Leucobryum glaucum), sheet moss (Hypnum curvifolium), and rock cap moss (Dicranum scoparium). Intersperse with small ferns like maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum) and shade-loving ground covers such as wild ginger (Asarum canadense).
Features: Lay a meandering path using flat stones or slate pieces. Place a small wooden bench for seating. Arrange weathered rocks of various sizes throughout the garden to add texture and serve as natural sculptures.
Maintenance: Mist regularly to maintain humidity and remove fallen leaves promptly to prevent moss damage.
Plant dwarf camellias and compact rhododendrons like ‘Ramapo’ or ‘Mary Fleming’ for year-round interest and spring blooms. Add fragrant herbs like Sweet Woodruff and lemon balm. Set up a wrought-iron bistro set, use vintage teapots as planters, and hang solar-powered string lights for a magical evening atmosphere.
Plants: Plant dwarf varieties of camellias for year-round interest. Add compact rhododendrons like ‘Ramapo’ or ‘Mary Fleming’ for spring blooms. Include fragrant herbs such as Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) for tea brewing.
Features: Set up a small wrought-iron bistro set for seating. Use vintage teapots as quirky planters for small ferns or trailing plants. Hang solar-powered string lights in surrounding trees or on a nearby fence for a magical evening atmosphere.
Tip: Choose a partially shaded spot that gets morning sun for the best camellia growth.
3. Native Wildflower Patch
Select local wildflowers like trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, and bloodroot. Add native shrubs like serviceberry or witch hazel, and texture with native ferns like ostrich fern. Edge with local logs or branches, install a small water fountain, and, place natural wood signs to identify plant species.
Plants: Select local woodland wildflowers like trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), and bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis). Incorporate native shrubs such as serviceberry (Amelanchier) or witch hazel (Hamamelis). Add texture with native ferns like ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris).
Features: Edge the area with locally sourced logs or branches. Install a small, recirculating water feature to attract wildlife. Create and place natural wood signs identifying plant species for an educational touch.
Conservation note: Source plants from reputable nurseries specializing in native species to avoid depleting wild populations.
4. Fern Gully Nook
Showcase ferns like Japanese painted fern, hart’s tongue fern, and maidenhair spleenwort. Complement with hostas and shade-tolerant grasses like Japanese forest grass. Install a curved wooden boardwalk, and driftwood pieces as natural art and fern mounts.
Plants: Showcase a variety of fern species such as Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum), hart’s tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium), and maidenhair spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes). Complement with hostas and shade-tolerant ornamental grasses like Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra).
Features: Install a gently curved wooden boardwalk to meander through the ferns. Set up a fine mist system for humidity and visual effects. Incorporate driftwood pieces as natural art and fern mounting surfaces.
Design tip: Vary fern textures and colors for visual interest, and plant in groups for impact.
5. Woodland Reading Alcove
Frame the space with dwarf conifers like ‘Nana’ and ‘Little Gem’ spruce. Plant hellebores for winter interest and add shade-tolerant perennials like tiarella and dicentra for color. Place a weather-resistant reading chair with a small side table, install a compact outdoor bookshelf, and hang solar lanterns for evening light.
Plants: Frame the space with dwarf conifers like ‘Nana’ spruce or ‘Little Gem’ Norway spruce. Plant hellebores for winter and early spring interest. Add shade-tolerant flowering perennials such as tiarella and dicentra for seasonal color.
Features: Place a comfortable, weather-resistant reading chair or hammock and a small side table. Install a compact, sealed bookshelf for outdoor book storage. Hang solar lanterns from tree branches or on shepherd’s hooks for evening reading light.
Accessorize: Add outdoor-friendly throw pillows and a blanket for comfort, and consider a small outdoor rug to define the space.
Create a mini forest with dwarf trees like Japanese maple and dwarf Korean fir. Add groundcovers like wild strawberry, partridgeberry, and woodland phlox. Enhance spring with shade-loving bulbs like snowdrops and dwarf daffodils. Design a winding pebble path, place miniature woodland creatures for whimsy, and install a tiny pond with moisture-loving plants.
Plants: Create a scaled-down forest with dwarf trees like Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’) or dwarf Korean fir (Abies koreana ‘Cis’). Layer with woodland groundcovers such as wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca), partridgeberry (Mitchella repens), and woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata). Add spring interest with shade-loving bulbs like snowdrops (Galanthus) and dwarf daffodils.
Features: Design a winding pebble path using small, smooth river stones. Place miniature woodland creatures like ceramic foxes or mushrooms for whimsy. Install a tiny pond using a shallow dish or small preformed pond liner, surrounded by moisture-loving plants.
Maintenance tip: Use a leaf blower on its lowest setting to gently clean the miniature landscape without disturbing the delicate plants.
7. Woodland Zen Garden
Center the design around a Japanese maple focal point, such as Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’. Add texture with clumping bamboo varieties like Fargesia rufa or Fargesia dracocephala, and movement with ornamental grasses such as Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’). Create raked gravel or fine sand areas to symbolize water, place weathered rocks as islands or mountains, and build a wooden bridge over a “dry stream” of polished river rocks.
Plants: Center the design around a focal point of Japanese maple like Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’. Add texture with clumping bamboo varieties such as Fargesia rufa or Fargesia dracocephala. Incorporate ornamental grasses like Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’) for movement.
Features: Create areas of raked gravel or fine sand to represent water. Carefully place large, weathered rocks to serve as islands or mountains in the Zen landscape. Build a small wooden bridge over a “dry stream” of polished river rocks.
Design principle: Embrace the concept of “shakkei” or borrowed scenery by framing views of the surrounding landscape within your garden design.
8. Stumpery Garden
Focus on ferns like bird’s nest fern and hart’s tongue fern that thrive in log nooks. Add mood moss for a lush appearance and shade-loving epiphytes like bromeliads or orchids for interest. Artfully arrange logs, stumps, and branches to create a natural sculpture garden. Vary heights by positioning some vertically and some horizontally, and hollow log sections as natural planters.
Plants: Focus on ferns that thrive in the nooks and crannies of logs, such as bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus) and hart’s tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium). Add mosses like mood moss (Dicranum scoparium) for a lush look. Incorporate shade-loving epiphytes like bromeliads or small orchids for unexpected interest.
Features: Artfully arrange logs, stumps, and large branches to create a natural sculpture garden. Position some vertically and some horizontally for varied heights. Leave hollow sections in logs to serve as natural planters.
Eco-friendly tip: Source fallen logs and stumps from local arborists or forest management projects to create an authentic woodland feel.
Choose shade-tolerant, butterfly-attracting plants like astilbe, cardinal flower, and woodland phlox. Include native host plants such as wild columbine for caterpillars and plant nectar-rich flowers like butterfly weed in sunny spots. Place shallow water dishes with pebbles for butterflies to drink safely, arrange flat rocks for basking in sunny patches, and install a small butterfly house for shelter during rain or at night.
Plants: Choose shade-tolerant, butterfly-attracting plants like astilbe, cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), and woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata). Include native host plants such as wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) for caterpillars. Plant nectar-rich flowers like butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) in sunnier spots.
Features: Place shallow water dishes filled with pebbles for butterflies to drink safely. Arrange flat rocks in sunny patches for butterflies to bask and warm up. Install a small butterfly house for shelter during rain or at night.
Conservation note: Avoid using pesticides in your butterfly garden to protect these delicate insects and their larvae.
Grow woodland plants like dwarf hemlock, foamflower, and coral bells in containers. Train shade-tolerant climbing vines such as climbing hydrangea on walls or trellises. Hang baskets with trailing plants like creeping Jenny or fuchsias. Install a small deck or patio using natural materials. Incorporate vertical gardening with living walls or tiered plant stands. String fairy lights or lanterns overhead for a magical evening ambiance.
Plants: Use containers to grow woodland plants like dwarf hemlock (Tsuga canadensis ‘Jeddeloh’), foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), and coral bells (Heuchera). Train shade-tolerant climbing vines such as climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris) on walls or trellises. Hang baskets with trailing plants like creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) or fuchsias.
Features: Install a small deck or patio using natural materials like wood or stone. Incorporate vertical gardening elements such as a living wall system or tiered plant stands. String fairy lights or lanterns overhead for a magical evening ambiance.
Design tip: Use containers of varying heights and materials to create visual interest and maximize space on your terrace.
These small woodland garden ideas can be adapted to fit your specific space and preferences. When selecting plants, consider factors like shade levels, soil moisture, and local climate. With careful planning and creativity, you can create an enchanting woodland retreat in even the smallest of spaces.
Easy ways to have fun with your kids and get them outside, connecting with nature.
Things to do at the beach with kids
We love visiting the beach and not just in the warm weather. Some of our favourite beach activities for childrenare rock pooling, building sandcastles and paddling in the sea. We also love collecting seashells and pebbles. A trip to the beach is fun for the whole family.
Find my mud + bloom review. This is a great nature craft and gardening subscription box for kids.
Outdoor activities for 2 year olds
I’m a big believer in getting kids outside from an early age. Toddlers will love being outside. Why not take them on a walk, to the local farm or simply blow bubbles together in the garden. Here are 33 more outdoor activities for toddlers.
Many outdoor activities can be enjoyed all year round but for some activities there is a perfect time of the year to enjoy them.
Winter activities for kids
I’m not the biggest fan of winter but we really made the best of it this year. So I put all my ideas together and wrote about outdoor activities for kids in winter. I hope it helps anyone else who doesn’t like winter or even those of you who do like winter but would like more ideas.
Many of the ideas don’t need snow as we don’t always get snow where I am. If you do get any snow though, it’s a good time to try painting snow.
Picnics aren’t just for summer. Why not go on a winter picnic? Find my Winter picnic ideas here.
There are so many great Spring activities for kidsto enjoy. We love when winter is over and we get to start enjoying milder trips out. Spotting the new lambs, flying kites and Easter egg hunts.
Summer activities for kids
There are so many summer outdoor activities for kids. Beach trips are our favourite. We also love picnics, playing in the garden, camping and lots of walks and days out are always fun in spring.
Autumn activities for kids
We love autumn. The temperatures are still mild, the colours in nature are stunning at this time of year and my kids love collecting autumn treasures like conkers, acorns and pine cones. Find my favourite Autumn activities for kids here.
Outdoor activity books for kids
Find my favourite outdoor activity books for kidshere. As much as I love the internet for finding new and creative ways for outdoor fun, sometimes it’s nice to flick through a book with my kids and let them choose a fun outdoor activity.
Improved problem solving and increased ability to assess risks
Want to join a community of outdoor-loving parents?
Want to share more ideas for getting kids outdoors with like-minded parents? Join Wildling Explores the free Facebook group for parents who love to get their kids outdoors.
FREE Animal Habitat Printables: Land Animals, Ponds and Rivers, Oceans
My children love animals and love learning about animals in our homeschool studies. We find ourselves constantly reading books and stories about animals and learning about them in science. We also like to do lots of animal themed nature studies and incorporate literature books that are about animals.
When you are teaching your children about animals, they will not only learn about the type and kind of animal, they will learn about where they live. An animal’s home is called their habitat. Learning about animal homes is so much fun! This is something that you can do with all ages.
If you have small children, you can read books about animal homes. You can use free worksheets and printables to reinforce the concepts of where an animal lives. Take a field trip to nature centers, parks, and zoos to see examples of different animal habitats. This can expand into more detailed unit studies or animal habitat research and report projects for your older children.
Here are some animal habitat printables broken down by habitat to help you get started on your very own animal habitat study with your children:
In the Ocean Notebook, students will use a combination of written narration, drawing, and labeling alongside Ocean Anatomy by Julia Rothman to learn all about life in the ocean, layers of the ocean, the ocean floor, coral reefs, tide pools, and much more.
FREE Types of Whales Matching Game – this printable game is a great way to introduce your elementary students to twelve different types of whales.
Annette has written a post that goes deeper into what a habitat is and how to study the different landforms and habitats that make up our world. There are tons of free resources included as well:
These are our favorite books for learning about animal habitats:
A key factor in every animal’s survival is finding enough water to keep their bodies strong & healthy. For this reason, animals have many different strategies for finding & using water from the environment, and it’s a great way to gain insight into their behavior. Most modern humans would have no clue where to find enough clean water in a survival situation… so how do animals do … [Read more...]
I made a hypothesis that the older the animal was the closer they would stay to the water. We get old and stiff as we age so it is possible. But have never really proved one way or another. I leave that challenge for the next generation to research.
This series of colourful sheets contain photographs of living things that may be found in different habitats. They are useful to use when identifying different plants and animals. The sheets are:
Coastal
Conifer woodland
Estuary wildlife
Farmland
Summer Wader
These spotter sheets have been provided by The Wildlife Trusts.
This series of spotter sheets are useful when identifying common invertebrates in their habitats. The photographs of various ‘minibeasts’ include different species of bees, butterflies, dragon flies, moths, shield bugs...
This series of spotter sheets are useful when identifying living things in their habitats at different times of the year. They contain sheets for different species and types of bird and birds found in different habitats. The...
This series of spotter sheets are useful when identifying living things in their habitats at different times of the year. They contain sheets for each of the seasons include sheets which help to identify:
Lifting up stones and logs and taking a look at the creatures below is always a fascinating activity. Our illustrated guide will help you identify some of the species you might find.
They are fast and agile and feed on the insects that hover above the surface of the water. Therefore, these bats may act as an indicator species for the health of the wetlands - healthier rivers will have more insects, and in turn, more bats! They will make the most of the surrounding habitats and will roost in bridges above waterways, or in old, hollow trees on the riverbanks! They give me the creeps!
Water and wildlife go together and many of our best areas for wildlife are freshwater wetlands. Huge flocks of birds migrate to wetlands in autumn and winter!
Chris Gomersall/2020VISION
Wetlands have rich soil, great for growing crops in. As a result, sadly many wetlands have been drained to create land for farming. This is a problem as wetlands are very important.
Wetlands store water and can help prevent flooding and droughts
Peatlands, a type of wetland, can store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This helps us to fight against climate change
Reedbeds naturally clean up polluted water.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY RIVERS...
Healthy Rivers - Surrey Wildlife Trust
DID YOU KNOW?
Wetlands range from small ponds and tiny streams to long rivers and large lakes.
WILDLIFE TO LOOK OUT FOR!
BIRDS
Freshwater wetlands are an incredible habitat for birds. If you're a birdwatcher, this is the place to go! Some of the birds you can expect to see are ducks like mallards, tufted ducks and shovelers, as well as mute swans, kingfishers, moorhens, coots and much more!!
Water-rich habitats often have lots of beautiful plants, including common reed, bulrush, sedges, rushes, yellow iris, white water lily, pondweeds, water crowfoot, hornwort, water milfoil, duckweeds and angelica.
