Stop! Discover! Record!
Many brilliant young Citizen Scientists had fun at Bandera's Natural History Museum
TOTAL SUCCESS !!!!
A small but seriously engaging crowd. We talked about what nature is, where to find it and why. Inspired by many beautiful nature photos and the stories and lessons behind each, we went outside to discover the plants and butterflies right outside the museum front door. Fiery Skippers, Pipevine Swallowtails, Bordered Patch, White Checkered Skippers, Queens and Gray Hairstreaks were just a few species we found. A single Monarch Butterfly flew through but did not stop despite the Monarch Waystation sign. Kermit, one of 3 resident Green Anole lizards also made a guest appearance.
We added these insects and some of the plants to out nature journal and then went back inside to discuss our found treasures and learn a bit more about Citizen Science. THANK YOU to everyone that attended. EVERY child - actively participated in our event. It was more conversation than a presentation - which we love! Every adult there learned a few new facts - and were amazed by the many insights and knowledge of our younger attendees.
Laugh of the Day
Q: Engage with nature means to use that 'thing' BETWEEN your ears to think about what you are seeing. What would that 'thing' be?
A: While "Earwax" might be IN your ears, the intended answer was your BRAIN !
We display our journal pages from the pre-event scouting trip to prove Nature Journalists do not have to be an artists. Our 'careful' sketch of dried out blooms did lead us to their identification : Rock Roses. We have these very on plants in our front yard but lacking the pink blooms, we were momentarily stumped.
A TOTAL SUCCESS !!!!
A small but seriously engaging crowd. We talked about what nature is, where to find it and why. Inspired by many beautiful nature photos and the stories and lessons behind each, we went outside to discover the plants and butterflies right outside the museum front door. Fiery Skippers, Pipevine Swallowtails, Bordered Patch, White Checkered Skippers, Queens and Gray Hairstreaks were just a few species we found. A single Monarch Butterfly flew through but did not stop despite the Monarch Waystation sign. Kermit, one of 3 resident Green Anole lizards also made a guest appearance.
We added these insects and some of the plants to out nature journal and then went back inside to discuss our found treasures and learn a bit more about Citizen Science. THANK YOU to everyone that attended. EVERY child - actively participated in our event. It was more conversation than a presentation - which we love! Every adult there learned a few new facts - and were amazed by the many insights and knowledge of our younger attendees.
Laugh of the Day
Q: Engage with nature means to use that 'thing' BETWEEN your ears to think about what you are seeing. What would that 'thing' be?
A: While "Earwax" might be IN your ears, the intended answer was your BRAIN !
We display our journal pages from the pre-event scouting trip to prove Nature Journalists do not have to be an artists. Our 'careful' sketch of dried out blooms did lead us to their identification : Rock Roses. We have these very on plants in our front yard but lacking the pink blooms, we were momentarily stumped.
KEEP LEARNING -
Time perception Some animals see in slow motion
Tons of other articles, just Google it
TPWD Intro to Butterfly watching - includes butterflies and host plants
https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_w7000_0752.pdf
Butterfly and Flower/Plant Scavenger Hunt and ID guides for Medina RIver Oaks Courts...and all the Hill Country
ps. printed copies can usually be found at in the Art House Cafe
https://busy-birding.com/citizen-science
Nature Journaling - Thank about and record what you see
An expansive collection of pamphlets and full books of recommended teaching activities for all ages
CITIZEN SCIENCE APPS AND ONLINE COMMUNITIES
Journey North
A one-stop resource for learning about, tracking and submitting your observation for many creatures including Monarch butterflies
iNaturalist : a world-wide database of all creatures
Also check out their iNaturalist and Seek (kid-friendly) mobile apps
Start practicing now for the April City Nature Challenge bioblitzes (data collection events) that Busy-Birding hosts annually at Love Creek Preserve, Riverside Nature Center, Lost Maples State Natural Area and new for 2026 - Bandera Natural History Museum!
CoCoRahs : Rain and other weather event reporting and viewing for all the US
eBird and Merlin
Apps and online communities for identifying and reporting for bird observations
We love hearing from you!
Laura@Busy-Birding.com
830-328-2662
