Backyard Detective

While we were out in the yard this morning, I heard a tree frog croaking. I followed the sound to our storage shed.

Mom opened up the door to the shed. We found our frog friend on the sprinkler. Mom told me that I am a good detective.

Are you a good backyard detective? Now that spring is here, there are many things to see. New plants are sprouting. Insects are buzzing. Reptiles are sunning themselves. Birds are nesting.

What do you see around your place? You must look very carefully. Do you see animal tracks in your yard? Do you see spider webs? Do you see old bird nests or new bird nests?

Being a detective is fun. There's a nifty check list to keep track of the creatures and plants that you see. Just go to http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Be-Out-There/Activities/Observe-and-Explore/~/media/PDFs/Be%20Out%20There/wildlife_hike_checklist.ashx

A checklist for younger children can be found at http://www.nwf.org/Kids/Your-Big-Backyard/Fun/Crafts-and-Activities/Weather/~/media/PDFs/Kids/Your%20Big%20Backyard/spring_detective_print.ashx

If you would like to learn more about being a backyard detective, check out this book from your local library: Backyard Detective: Critters Up Close by Nic Bishop.