What signs might active winter animals leave to tell us who they are and what they are up to? Just like us, animals leave clues. Tell the tale of our afternoon from these clues...
Clue #1
I'm busy in winter and have sharp teeth for chewing things near the ground. I find hiding places underneath the snow. My tracks are small and I have four toes on my front feet and five on my back feet.
. Who might I be? (rodent like mouse)
Being a nature detective also means trying to figure out the story behind the signs or clues from wildlife like the tracks, scat, fur or bones. What do you think the story was for the squirrel tracks we saw by the walnut trees?
We have a new shelter (still under construction). Did you choose a name for this cool place near the creek. (Crayfish Castle)
Clue #2
I'm a small mammal who wanders in the forest. I leave a track that looks like big ovals followed by small ovals. I hop to get from place to place so my tracks may be spread out.
Who might I be? (cottontail rabbit)
Seeing Crayfish Castle today was like finding a cabin in the wilderness. Someone put some time and energy into it over the holidays. It soon became a barn for one group's creative play during wander time. Others followed each other's tracks in the snow or jumped in the snow. Frog, Acorn, Salmon and Lynx all tried out snowshoeing.
Clue #3
I leave a deep track with a round pad, four longer toes with sharp claw marks that look like dots. My tracks are often seen at the farm in groups.
Who might I be? (Coyote)
We are a fun pack and we were happy to see each other after the break. Tell a story about you and your friends and what you loved doing together today.
Clue #4
My track looks like scratches with three long lines and sometimes one pointing in the opposite direction.
Who Am I? (pigeon)
Coyote told us a sad story about this beautiful pair . Retell the story at home.
When we finally made it back to the Curiosity Cabin. We settled in for a snack and a drink of water while we listened to a story about becoming a nature detective. There is so much more we can discover about the wildlife that is active in winter. Talk about what surprised you!
We shared our caring for Beaver today and added messages with wishes that she would be back soon. Life on the farm is filled with experiences that help us understand that lifetimes are all different. This leads us to thinking about living each day to the fullest with joy and gratitude.
Next week, Coyote made some promises about how we can start our day. What are you excited to do at nature school when you come again.
Make yourself a great week Forest Friends:)
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