Archives: Nature Notes

1. Listen for the distinct “conk-a-lee” song of the male red-winged blackbird.
2. Taste marsh marigold, a.k.a. cowslips, prepared like cooked spinach.

1. Listen for mating songs of returning birds, such as the bluebird. 2. Time for planting as the soil warms.

1. BE ON THE LOOKOUT: Migratory birds will be returning and passing through. Look them up in a bird book with your family. 2. USE YOUR NOSE: Notice all the smells as spring arrives.

1. GO SNOWSHOEING – Blanketed with snow, the forest is quiet and calm this time of year.
2. MAKE SNOW CASTLES – just like sand castles but using snow instead.

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Make bark rubbings: Hold a piece of paper against the trunk of a tree. Using a crayon with the wrapper removed, rub the long side of the crayon on the paper. Compare the patterns made by different trees.

Have your kids make their own bear den in your backyard. Put a sock on your arm and walk through a field or area with talk grass. How many different seeds get caught in the sock?