WILD CHILD: Winter Play is Connecting with Wildlife

Winter is filled with chances to play and explore that aren’t the same in other seasons. Whatever your favourite way to play, winter has something to offer.

This week we take a peak wonder and mystery of creatures we can see and notice in the cooler weather.

Fresh layers of snow and few leaves to hide critters, makes winter the perfect time to notice the animals who share our community.

Who shares the area around your home? A bird who sings from a nearby tree branch? A squirrel that sneaks into gardens to dig? A rabbit who leaves footprints in the early morning hours.

This week take time to notice these feathery and furry neighbours. Where do you see them? Can you learn a bit about them by watching them or following their tracks?

If you want to identify the animal belonging to the track, check out these great resources for tracks you may see to help get you started.

• http://www.naturetracking.com/the-5-most-common-animal-tracks-in-snow/

• https://i.pinimg.com/736x/b5/67/00/b5670048dda23cfa0e5df6b2e403ec07–paw-prints-foot-prints.jpg

To identify a bird song you hear BirdNet is a great resource. Either upload your recording from your computer or use the app to quickly identify what you hear.

Written by Tandy Morton, WILD CHILD Playgroup Facilitator