Sometimes the most commonly seen birds are also the best teachers of bird behavior. This is why American Robins are truly one of my favorite birds to watch during the spring nesting season. Pretty much every home in North America with a lawn & some nearby trees will have robins nesting within view. It’s amazing how much we can learn from observing such a common bird that so often gets … [Read more...] about Robin Nesting Habits: How to Find Nests & 5 Nest Behaviors To Observe
Naturalist Training Articles
How To Learn The Plant Growth Stages: Photo examples with annual, perennial & biennial growth stages
One of the most useful things I ever learned about plants is how to observe the stages of plant growth. All plants follow the same basic patterns of growth on their way to maturity and this gives us a better way to identify and understand those plants more deeply. The simplest way to describe plant growth is with 4 stages: Germination is when the seed first becomes active and starts the … [Read more...] about How To Learn The Plant Growth Stages: Photo examples with annual, perennial & biennial growth stages
How To Understand Nature (What is nature? 6 ways to SEE it for yourself)
Einstein said, “Look deeply into nature and you will understand everything better.” But what does this really mean? And how is it done on a practical level? Like many people who care about the earth, I’ve often wondered about the role that nature might play in my personal journey to find meaning & satisfaction in life. Throughout history, humans have lived closely to nature, yet … [Read more...] about How To Understand Nature (What is nature? 6 ways to SEE it for yourself)
How To Start Learning About Plants (Plant basics & steps for ID)
When I first started learning about plants, I loved the idea of foraging for wild foods while helping to appreciate and understand nature on a much deeper level. But as you may have noticed, plants can also be incredibly intimidating! In fact, it’s perfectly normal for every new plant lover to occasionally experience that mixture of awe & confusion when faced with the great wall of … [Read more...] about How To Start Learning About Plants (Plant basics & steps for ID)
Why Do Forests Have High Biodiversity?
Forests are awe inspiring habitats, don’t you think? Stepping into a forest is like stepping into an entire world of unique plants, trees & animals all co-existing together in sensitive ecological relationships. For this reason, forests make major contributions to our earth’s overall species, and it’s fascinating to understand why forests have such high biodiversity. Biodiversity is … [Read more...] about Why Do Forests Have High Biodiversity?
How Do Animals Help Plants? (4 symbiotic interactions)
Everyone knows that plants play an important role for the survival of wild animals by providing essential food and shelter. What’s less obvious is that animals also help plants in crucial ways that form a sensitive and beautiful symbiotic relationship. Animals help plants pollinate their flowers and spread seeds. Their droppings fertilize the soil, while grazing & browsing animals help … [Read more...] about How Do Animals Help Plants? (4 symbiotic interactions)
What’s The Difference Between Coniferous And Deciduous Forests? (with photos and analysis)
As a passionate naturalist, wildlife tracker and ecologist, one of the most foundational skills I ever learned was how to observe the difference between coniferous and deciduous forests. Most people already know how to identify coniferous and deciduous trees by comparing the major differences in leaf structures. Coniferous trees like fir, spruce and pine trees have needle-like leaves that … [Read more...] about What’s The Difference Between Coniferous And Deciduous Forests? (with photos and analysis)
How To Predict Weather With Clouds (8 types of clouds and what they mean)
Before the invention of modern forecasting, humans knew how to predict weather by looking at clouds. So on my quest to learn ancient survival & awareness skills, I decided to investigate what clouds can tell us about the weather. To predict weather with clouds, you simply have to look at observable patterns like cloud size, cloud shape, altitude, vertical depth, and color shading within … [Read more...] about How To Predict Weather With Clouds (8 types of clouds and what they mean)
How Do Forests Form? (Forest Succession, Pioneer Plants & Growth Stages)
Forests are some of the most fascinating environments on the planet, filled with amazing natural mysteries to explore and discover. One of the best ways to really appreciate these environments more deeply is by learning how forests form through a process called “forest succession”. All forests go through distinct stages of growth as they develop from non-forested lands into full canopies of … [Read more...] about How Do Forests Form? (Forest Succession, Pioneer Plants & Growth Stages)
How To Find Bird Nests: Useful tips and different types of nests
Every year during spring, the forests & fields of nature become filled with a hustle & bustle of nesting birds. When you know what clues to look for, this brings a rare opportunity to practice finding bird nests and study their predator defence strategies. The easiest way to find nests is by watching for birds carrying nest materials like twigs, mud, plant fibers, moss & sticks, … [Read more...] about How To Find Bird Nests: Useful tips and different types of nests