Hibernation, Migration or Stay and Adapt? Animals sure have a lot to think about as winter fast approaches! Searching for animal photos in the Harrington Hall side yard, the Turtles had their work cut out for them. After looking at all the animal photos, it was time to decide what each animal did during the winter. There were skunks, owls, bears, rabbits, frogs, birds and even snakes to sort under the signs labeled "Hibernate", "Migrate" or "Stay and Adapt"! Which animals did you find tricky to sort? Were there clues that made your decision easier? The really tricky ones were the animals that spent winter in more than one way! The answers were on the back…did anyone peek?
Looking closer at skunks which "Stay and Adapt". What do they do to survive the winter? Red Fox used his amazing 'fox' eyes! He noticed on one of the cards that skunks love honey! Do you love honey just like Red Fox does? Did you have honey packed in your lunch? Where does a skunk when it needs to sleep? It was time to find out as the Turtles ventured down the trail towards Cedar Castle, finding hidden spots created by broken branches and grasses to build their skunk dens. Were you able to go inside your den? Was it camouflaged? It will be fun to go back to our dens next week, to perhaps add some more materials and to do an Open House so all of us can celebrate each other’s hard work. Grey Wolf lead his 'skunk' crew to making a sturdy shelter. Also Beaver did a great job building a den all by yourself!
In the library, Grey Squirrel joined in the conversation by reading parts of the book "Frozen Wild" by Jim Arnosky, all about how animals survive in the coldest places on Earth. Thanks for reviewing all the actions for hibernation, migration and stay and adapt, Grey Squirrel! Do you remember the actions? We really liked your migration action! A second book called "Winter Lullaby" by Barbara Seuling, focused on where the animals go? We would also like to thank Grey Squirrel for helping us plant a succulent plant to take home. Thank you for giving us the instructions on how to care for our plant friend and helping it survive through the winter!
As soon as lunch was eaten, the journals came out! The Turtles were eager to share what they had learned from our morning adventures. Later in the afternoon, we added to our stories with labeled drawings of bear and skunk dens and bat caves, animals that migrated and animals that liked to stay put and adapt to their environment. Some of us worked with Ladybug and made a ladybug craft using torn paper. Did you enjoy sharing your work with your friends? I wonder where all the real ladybugs went that we saw on the Hall roof last week? Do you think they are somewhere warm and cozy?
Late afternoon, we headed to Mystery Forest with a rope and our imagination! Meet you there! Snapping Turtle, Water Strider, Beaver and Catfish began to build their shelter for winter and inspired Deer and Hawk to start one of their own. Thanks to the tree friends who played a huge role in supporting the structures! What are you planning to add to your shelter next week? More branches, something soft for the ground? Were you able to hide inside?
Before heading to shelter building with his friends, Catfish was determined to find a way to use the rope Dragonfly had brought with her. A group of turtles gathered around the rope, pulling it every which way to test it’s strength and throwing it around branches to help with climbing. With a little help from the Nature Mentors, knots were tied and the rope was used by some as a swing and by others as a roost for bats! It was an amazing show of patience and group problem solving! What was your favourite part about our time in Mystery Forest? Cardinal will also be looking out for squirrel dreys, one of her favourite things to see high among the bare tree branches.
We ended a day of teamwork by taking a photo of us as a team at the yellow gate before heading back to the Hall. Until we meet again! Dragonfly, Cardinal and Ladybug
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