Recently we started keeping a monthly nature calendar. As an example, at the beginning of this month we took our sheet of paper and labeled the top "December Nature", and then throughout the month as we visit parks and take nature walks we are keeping a list on this page of the different things we find and observe in nature.
Our monthly lists are such a neat thing to look back on and remember our walks and what we found. Plus it will be neat to look ahead to the coming months and anticipate how nature will be changing by looking at our lists.
This last week we had one day of bright sunshine and good temperatures, so we headed out to our favorite park to begin our list. Here are some of the things we found.
These male and female Mallard Ducks were swimming in the wetlands.
We noticed several abandoned nests and wondered what species of bird lived in them back in the spring and summer.
We were shocked to find so many dandelions still growing in the cold weather, or are we shocked, those things are resillent!
We found lots and lots of seeds on tree and plants in general, settled in with hope of the future spring season.
We also found several places where fungus was growing, mostly in and around trees. This photo below is of fungus growing on a huge tree that had damage around the base.
Of course we took time to stop and throw rocks in one of the water pools!
There was splashes of color everywhere. It’s amazing that once all the leaves and brush goes away how much more color stands out. They are like splashes of bright color on a gray/brown canvas.
Speaking of color, each month the park that we were at, which happens to also be an arboretum, hosts one of their trees/plants as their "Plant of the Month". This one, the Deciduous Holly, we believe was chosen very timely, adorned in it’s formal winter red dress.
The sun was shining so brightly on the red berries that they looked like they were on fire.
These are just a few of the things we added to our December Nature calendar. What sorts of things will you add to yours?
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Great pics and a great idea! I think we will start doing this in Jan 2010 and hopefully do it for the whole year. Thanks for sharing! Be Blessed, Angie in GA
http://theonethingps274.wordpress.com/ -
Beautiful pictures.
This reminded me of an idea I've seen, but not put into practice yet – keeping a perpetual calendar. Use a different index card for each day of the year. So, this year, you would use your Dec 7th card, write 2009 and say "first snow". Next year, it might happen on Nov. 30, so you write 2010 on the Nov 30 card. You can use this to note "firsts" like robins, or crocuses, or for something unique that you may never see again. Instead of notecards, using a "birthday book" might work and might be prettier.
Whatever method used, I like the idea you had of keeping track of observations. Thanks for sharing.
Sarah
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I love the idea for this entry and your photos are gorgeous. I would love to have this entry for the Hands-On Homeschool Carnival if you would like to submit it for Monday's carnival.
http://blogcarnival.com/bc/cprof_6064.html
Thanks Melissa,
Barb -
I never knew there was a deciduous holly.It is really beautiful.Hope your having a wonderful Christmastime.
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Hi Melissa, What a good idea, I think we are going to include your idea in our own journals! As usual – beautiful photography!
Blessings in Christ
Shirley
http://shirleyathome.blogspot.com -
Wow-those are stunning photos. Thanks for sharing about your nature studies-very inspiring! Holly
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Melissa
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