How to Become a Backyard Wildlife Explorer

Learn how to observe, identify, and respect the wild creatures living in your own backyard or local park. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Find a quiet observation spot. Pick a place in your yard or a nearby park where you can sit still for 10 minutes. The quieter you are, the more likely animals will come out to play.
2. Use your senses. Don't just look with your eyes. Listen for bird calls or rustling leaves, and smell the air. Ask a grown-up to help you record what you hear in your notebook.
3. Observe without disturbing. If you see an insect or animal, watch it from a distance. Use your magnifying glass to see details like patterns on a beetle's back, but never try to catch or poke the wildlife.
4. Record your findings. Draw a picture of what you see or write down a description. Include the time of day and the weather, as these things change which animals are active.