Frolic Friday: Feathered Friends Edition

Goldfinch Sentry

Happy Frolic Friday, all! Fall is wrapping up, and we are starting the slow slide into winter. Let’s take advantage of the sunshine when we can, and embrace the gray when we can’t!

This weekend, why not…

  • Go be a nest detective! Now that the leaves are off the trees, it’s really easy to spot nests built up in the branches. Count how many you find.  Take pictures or sketch them in your nature journal. Do you see different shapes and sizes? Take the kids and make a game of it.
  • Head to the wild bird store and check out the feeder selection. Seed, suet, platform, tube — there are so many choices! You can also have the kids make simple bird feeders out of bagels or pinecones.
  • Join a local bird watching walk. Check with your local nature center, wild bird store, or parks department for walks scheduled near you. Nothing near you? Start a Family Nature Club and schedule your own outings with friends and family.

As always, it doesn’t matter what you do, just get outside this weekend and earn those grass stains. Take some time to unplug and belly laugh — it’s good for the soul!

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

Creative Commons License photo credit: ingridtaylar

Mystery Critter #4

Vision Thing
Time to put on your thinking caps, folks! Let’s see if you can solve this week’s mystery. Today’s critter was selected by one of my Twitter friends, Cameron. Thanks for the help, Cam!

OK, my nature detectives — let’s hop to it! Good luck. And no cheating!

CRITTER CLUES:

  • I am 18 – 27 inches in size;
  • I am the most abundant form of this species in the world;
  • My courtship starts in the fall;
  • I can be found throughout North America; and
  • I will hybridize with others in my species.

What am I? Make your guess, and then go here for the answer and more interesting facts. Did you get it right?! If not, no worries — you’ll have another chance next week!

Now, why not go see if you can spot this week’s Mystery Critter near you? If not, there is plenty of wildlife just waiting to be discovered right outside your door. Grab the kids in your world and go take a look!

See ya outside! – The Grass Stain Guru

Creative Commons License photo credit: Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com

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