Category Archives: nature

The Cardinal Surprise

nature, summer

One of the things I like most about summers at the cottage is our backyard.  I love clearing out the cobwebs of my mind in the crisp cool mornings, sitting on the deck with my hot tea.  I love staring at the bright red and yellows in my pretty green window box while I contemplate life.

And I especially love the birds.  We have all kinds, but Mama and Papa cardinal are especially lovely.  They come for the food, of course, and they have no fear of us.  We sit a few feet away and listen as they call to one another.  We watch as they fly over for their morning meal, eyeing us without much concern.

But this weekend, I noticed something new.  Mama cardinal kept flying into the bushes, pulling off branches and flying away, around to the side of the house.

Curiosity finally got the better of me and I hoisted my slow-moving morning self out of my cushioned chair and waited by the side of the house.  The next time she flew over, I watched.  And this is what I found.

A nest!  She’s building a nest!  I’m fairly sure, but not certain, that Cardinals don’t lay eggs in the fall.  Perhaps she’s just planning ahead?

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Kids Can Learn a Lot from Nature

academics, activities for kids, fall, nature

When we think about doing educational activities with our kids, how often do we think about taking a walk through the woods?  As the leaves begin to fall, and animals scurry to collect food for winter, there’s plenty for kids to learn while they’re on the go.

One of the keys to growing kids who love to learn is to find the learning that’s available all around us.

As you walk through the woods, help your kids notice what’s happening during the fall season.

If they’re interested in the leaves, help them understand why leaves turn from green to the beautiful reds and golds of fall, and then drop to the ground.  Encourage them to gather leaves, and make a leaf print when you get home.  Talk to them about everything they see; help them to wonder.

If they go for the acorns, talk to them about seeds, and look for seedlings.  Talk to them about the different parts of plants, and how seeds grow.  Help them think about how seeds travel, and plant themselves!  Consider planting some seeds indoors together, so your kids can watch them grow during the winter.

Do they notice the animals?  If your kids are curious about how animals make it through the winter, talk to them about ecosystems and habitats.  Help them understand which animals leave for awhile (migrate) and which ones stay and hunker down (hibernate).

Your kids will be curious.  The key is to capitalize on their interests and keep the learning fun.

Happy autumn!

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