Nature Journaling #183: Looking for Cardinals
Nature journals are a fun way to pass the time. To many Great Parks nature interpreters, they are a tool that fosters meaningful connections with the natural world.
Want to create a nature journal with your child? Grab some paper and a pencil, step out the front door and use the prompt below. We’ll publish a new prompt daily, so be sure to check back here for more!
![A male northern cardinal sits on a tree branch and poofs out his feathers to keep warm during winter.](https://i0.wp.com/blog.greatparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/WW-2-5-2019-3.jpg?resize=900%2C600&ssl=1)
![A female northern cardinal sits in a tree branch during a winter morning.](https://i0.wp.com/blog.greatparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SW-Annual-Bird-Count-2018-12-8-11-1-scaled.jpg?resize=900%2C600&ssl=1)
Today’s Prompt: Looking for Cardinals
Take a walk today and look for red birds, specifically cardinals. If you get to see a bright red cardinal, you are seeing the male. The female is mostly brown, but does have some red on her, especially on her wings. Take a look at their beaks. What kinds of foods do you think they eat and how do their beaks help them eat that?
A Few Tips for Success:
- Work with your child’s attention span. If they aren’t enjoying an activity, allow them to choose a new one. If they are highly focused, give them plenty of time to continue the observations.
- Allow creativity. Children often have interests that go beyond the questions we pose. Create a safe environment so they can create and explore on their terms.
- Journal along with your child. You never know what you may discover and it’s a great way to spend some quality time together.
- Try activities at different times of day. Observations may change with time and temperature.
Want to try your hand at different nature journaling topics? Click here for more prompts.
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Amy Roell
Director of Education & Events