mammals Archives

Posted on July 31, 2020 by Barb — Leave a comment

Outdoor Hour Challenge: Muskrat Nature Study

This week’s nature study topic is the muskrat. Muskrats get their common name from the musk or fragrance they emit to attract a mate and to mark a territory. This is just one of the interesting facts about this mammal that you can learn from your study of the muskrat. Use the links below to get started and learn alongside your child.

Research the muskrat in a field guide or a book you find at your local library. Here’s an online resource for this challenge: Common Muskrat. This one is also very informative: Common Muskrat.

Alternate study this week

You may choose to complete a related study learning more about:

Outdoor Hour Challenge – Beaver

Outdoor Hour Challenge – Mouse (More Nature Study Summer Ebook)

Outdoor Hour Challenge – Rat

See the Creepy things ebook for more muskrat nature study ideas, videos, and printables!

Please note that I will not be posting the complete challenge here on the blog. You’ll find the detailed challenge in the Creepy Things ebook that’s available both in the Ultimate Naturalist and Journey level memberships. Sign into your account and download the ebook for the details, more links, and notebook pages.

If you don’t have a membership yet, click the graphic above and join today for immediate access to the 26 ebooks and so much more! Remember that all levels, even the Discovery level membership, include access to all of the archived newsletters!

Topics in this ebook include:

Banana slug
Tarantula
Black widow
Scorpion
Leech
Muskrat
Sphinx moth
Cicada
Millipede
Poison oak

Use the discount code SUMMERNATURE for $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership.

Code expires 8/1/2020.

Posted on May 14, 2020 by Barb — Leave a comment

Mammal Nature Study and Journals

Mammal Nature Study and Journals

Do you have some time on your hands these days for a little extra nature study?

Here’s a short of list of the newer Outdoor Hour Challenges you may want to complete that feature some totally awesome mammals. I’m personally working my way through the list in my own study and following up with nature journal pages for each one. I still have a few more to go!

Black Bear Nature Study

Porcupine Nature Study

Moose Nature Study

Elk Nature Study

Coyote Nature Study

Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel Nature Study

Mountain Lion Nature Study

Pocket Gopher Nature Study

River Otter Nature Study

You can click the link below to find all the mammal related nature study ideas here on the Handbook of Nature Study. I invite you to click on over and find something too!

This is the perfect time to purchase an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership using the discount code SPRINGTOGETHER and receive $10 off.

That means you will receive all the benefits of a membership for just $35!

Posted on May 2, 2020 by Barb — Leave a comment

New Printables for Members – Iridescence and Stripes and Spots

Now available in the Ultimate and Journey level memberships:

1. Iridescence in Nature Notebook Page– This is such a fascinating topic! Do some research about the benefits of iridescence in nature and then create a notebook page with your notes and sketches.

2. Stripes and Spots in Nature Notebook Page – We all know animals, birds, and insects that have stripes and spots. Use a reference of your choice to discover their usefulness and then complete the notebook page as a follow up.

(See the end of this post for more information on how you can become a member.)

Note: If you have any subjects you would like me to create nature notebook pages for, please let me know in a comment here on the blog or in an email: harmonyfinearts@yahoo.com

Print a complete list of printables available in the Ultimate and Journey level memberships by clicking the button above.

Use the discount code SPRINGTOGETHER for $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership!

Members also have access to the Nature Planner pages in their library. Print out this month’s page and use it to stimulate your weekly nature study time.

Posted on April 24, 2020 by Barb — Leave a comment

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge: River Otters

River otters are a favorite animal around our house and this week’s nature study is going to introduce you to this active and entertaining animal. We frequently see them along our local river and are amazed at how fast they can swim! Check your local resources (nature centers, aquariums, or zoos) for a place to view river otters on your next field trip.

In the meantime, use the information in the Outdoor Hour Challenge to learn more about river otters and follow up with a nature journal page. I’ve listed a few activities below to get you started, but please remember that members have access to the full and complete challenge in the High Desert ebook.

Here are a few ideas to get you started with a river otter nature study:

Here are some YouTube videos to watch: North American River Otter and (warning: intense and a little violent) River Otter vs. Coyote.
For younger children, listen to chapter 25 in the Burgess Animal Book for Children, featuring the otter.

Please note that I won’t be posting the complete challenge here on the blog, but you will find the detailed challenge in the High Desert ebook that’s available both in the Ultimate Naturalist and Journey level memberships. Sign into your account and download the ebook for the details, more links, and notebook pages.

Alternate study: Outdoor Hour Challenge-Beavers

If you don’t have a membership yet, you can click the graphic above and join today for immediate access to the 25 ebooks and so much more! Remember that all levels, even the Discovery level membership, include access to all of the archived newsletters!

Topics in this ebook include:

Bitterbrush
Sagebrush
Greater sage-grouse
Succulents
Mountain Lion
Coyote
Pocket Gopher
Bristlecone Pine
Elk
Turkey Vulture
Juniper
Snowberry
Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel
River Otter

Please use the discount code INITTOGETHER to receive $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Membership

Posted on April 17, 2020 by Barb — Leave a comment

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge-Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge

Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel Nature Study

The golden mantled ground squirrel is a cute little squirrel that often invites itself to your family picnic. With stripes on their body but not on their face, they are quite easy to identify from other squirrels and chipmunks too.

Note they only have stripes on their body and not on their face.

Use this week’s challenge to learn more about this interesting little rodent. As always, preparation will make you ready for the time you may encounter this animal in the future.

This week the alternative suggested nature study topic is: Outdoor Hour Challenge: Squirrels.

Here are a few ideas to get you started with a golden mantled ground squirrel:

Choose your resource for learning about the golden-mantled ground squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis). This could be a field guide, a book from your local library or an online resource like this one: golden-mantled ground squirrel. This website has very clear images of this animal: golden-mantled ground squirrel. Notice the lack of an eye stripe!
Here are some YouTube videos to watch: Golden-mantled ground squirrel

Please note that I will not be posting the complete challenge here on the blog, but you will find the detailed challenge in the High Desert ebook that is available both in the Ultimate Naturalist and Journey level memberships.

Sign into your account and download the ebook for the details, more links, and notebook pages.

Topics in this ebook include:

Bitterbrush
Sagebrush
Greater sage-grouse
Succulents
Mountain Lion
Coyote
Pocket Gopher
Bristlecone Pine
Elk
Turkey Vulture
Juniper
Snowberry
Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel
River Otter

Use the discount code INITTOGETHER to receive $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Membership!

Posted on April 10, 2020 by Barb — Leave a comment

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge -Pocket Gopher Nature Study

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge

Pocket Gopher Nature Study

Most children have noticed holes in the ground during their outdoor time. Have you ever wondered who made those holes and how they created them? This week you’ll use your outdoor hour to look for some holes of your own.

pocket gopher mammal high desert photo credit httpswww.flickr.comphotosgregthebusker — Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/gregthebusker/

Before you go, do some of the Inside Preparation Work from the Outdoor Hour Challenge for pocket gophers. This will help you learn about an animal that might have dug the hole you find. Make sure to watch the YouTube videos linked below!

Alternate study: Gopher, Ground Hog, Woodchuck, and Marmot.

Here are a few ideas to get you started with a pocket gopher nature study:

Choose your resource for learning about the pocket gopher. This could be a field guide, a book from your local library or an online resource. Here’s an online resource to get you started: National Wildlife Federation.
YouTube videos: Pocket Gopher Mounds and Pocket Gopher.

Topics in this ebook include:

Bitterbrush
Sagebrush
Greater sage-grouse
Succulents
Mountain Lion
Coyote
Pocket Gopher
Bristlecone Pine
Elk
Turkey Vulture
Juniper
Snowberry
Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel
River Otter

Please use the discount code INITTOGETHER to receive $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Membership.

Posted on March 27, 2020 by Barb — Leave a comment

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge -Coyote Nature Study

Have you ever heard a coyote howl in the distance? Have you seen them dart out across a road in your neighborhood? Did you ever wonder, was that a big dog or a coyote? Well, now is your chance to learn more about that amazing and elusive animal, the coyote.

1751241022_465507c4a2_c — Image credit: Jitze Couperus

While I was researching the coyote, I learned that many communities are dealing with more frequent sightings as the coyote’s habitat is shrinking and people are moving into their natural territory.

As always, where possible, I suggest an alternative or supplementary nature study topic for you to choose from for each Outdoor Hour Challenge. This week the alternative suggested nature study topic is: Outdoor Hour Challenge: Dogs.

Here are a few ideas to get you started with a coyote nature study:

Choose your resource for learning about the coyote. This can be an online site like National Trappers Association or the National Park Service. You can hear coyotes howling and yipping in this video: Coyote Howl. Our neighborhood has several coyotes and we hear them howling when they hear sirens in the distance. It can be so loud! Can you howl and yip like a coyote?

Topics in this ebook include:

Bitterbrush
Sagebrush
Greater sage-grouse
Succulents
Mountain Lion
Coyote
Pocket Gopher
Bristlecone Pine
Elk
Turkey Vulture
Juniper
Snowberry
Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel
River Otter

Please use the discount code SPRINGBREAK to receive $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Membership

Posted on March 20, 2020 by Barb — Leave a comment

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge-Mountain Lion Nature Study

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge

Mountain Lion Nature Study

Are you joining us for the new series of Outdoor Hour Challenges from the brand new ebook, High Desert Nature Study? I highly recommend this ebook for everyone, even if you don’t live in or near this fascinating habitat. The topics we’re going to work through are ones that your children will find interesting and be excited to complete in anticipation of observing these subjects in the future.

Here are a few ideas to get you started with a mountain lion nature study:

Choose your resource for learning about the mountain lion (Puma concolor). Don’t forget to look at your public library for books on mountain lions.
For younger children, listen to chapter 30 in the Burgess Animal Book for Children, featuring the cougar (mountain lion).
Advanced study: Research what you should do if you encounter a mountain lion. Here is a link: Mountain Lion Foundation.

Topics in this ebook include:

Bitterbrush
Sagebrush
Greater sage-grouse
Succulents
Mountain Lion
Coyote
Pocket Gopher
Bristlecone Pine
Elk
Turkey Vulture
Juniper
Snowberry
Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel
River Otter

Please use the discount code SPRINGBREAK to receive $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Membership

Posted on March 2, 2020 by Barb — Leave a comment

New Printables for Members – Scat and Caches

Now available in the Ultimate and Journey level memberships:

1. Animal Scat Notebook Page: We often come across animal scat during our outdoor time. This notebook page will help you record your observations.

2. Hoarding and Caches Notebook Page: Use this page to research more about animals who cache food.

(See the end of this post for more information on how you can become a member.)

Note: If you have any subjects you would like me to create nature notebook pages for, please let me know in a comment here on the blog or in an email: harmonyfinearts@yahoo.com

Print a complete list of printables available in the Ultimate and Journey level memberships by clicking the button above.

Use the discount code NATURE5 for $5 off an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership!

Members also have access to the Nature Planner pages in their library. Print out this month’s page and use it to stimulate your weekly nature study time.

Posted on February 21, 2020 by Barb — Leave a comment

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge -Moose Nature Study

The moose is one of those animals that many of us never get a chance to see in real life. It’s large body and huge antlers make it a very distinctive and interesting animal for most children to learn about using resources you can find online or at your public library.

Here are just a couple of ideas for a moose nature study to get you started:

¨ For younger children, listen to chapter 36 in the Burgess Animal Book for Children, featuring the moose.

¨ Learn about antlers on this page: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service—Antlers.

You can access the complete challenge by using the lesson in the Forest Fun ebook that is available in both the Ultimate Naturalist and Journey level memberships.

Sign into your account and download the ebook for the details, more links, a coloring page, and notebook pages.

We’re working through the Forest Fun ebook which is a brand new series of nature studies featuring things you might find in the forest. It’s not too late to join us by purchasing an Ultimate Naturalist or Journey level membership.

Topics in this ebook include:

Rabbitbrush
Skunk Cabbage
Azalea
Common Raven
California Quail
Western Tanager
Black Bear
Moose
Porcupine

If you don’t have a membership yet, you can click the graphic above and join today for immediate access to the 24 ebooks and so much more! Remember that all levels, even the Discovery level membership, include access to all of the archived newsletters!

Did you see the brand new ebook that was posted earlier this week?

Topics include:

Bitterbrush
Sagebrush
Greater Sage-grouse
Succulents
Mountain Lion
Coyote
Pocket Gopher
Bristlecone Pine
Elk
Turkey Vulture
Juniper
Snowberry
Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel
River Otter

Category: mammals

Outdoor Hour Challenge: Muskrat Nature Study

Use the discount code SUMMERNATURE for $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership.

Code expires 8/1/2020.

Mammal Nature Study and Journals

That means you will receive all the benefits of a membership for just $35!

New Printables for Members – Iridescence and Stripes and Spots

Print a complete list of printables available in the Ultimate and Journey level memberships by clicking the button above.

Use the discount code SPRINGTOGETHER for $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership!

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge: River Otters

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge-Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel

Sign into your account and download the ebook for the details, more links, and notebook pages.

Use the discount code INITTOGETHER to receive $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Membership!

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge -Pocket Gopher Nature Study

Please use the discount code INITTOGETHER to receive $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Membership.

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge -Coyote Nature Study

Please use the discount code SPRINGBREAK to receive $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Membership

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge-Mountain Lion Nature Study

Please use the discount code SPRINGBREAK to receive $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Membership

New Printables for Members – Scat and Caches

Print a complete list of printables available in the Ultimate and Journey level memberships by clicking the button above.

Use the discount code NATURE5 for $5 off an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership!

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge -Moose Nature Study

You can access the complete challenge by using the lesson in the Forest Fun ebook that is available in both the Ultimate Naturalist and Journey level memberships.

Outdoor Hour Challenges for families since 2008!

Use the discount code SUMMERNATURE for $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership.

Code expires 8/1/2020.

That means you will receive all the benefits of a membership for just $35!

Print a complete list of printables available in the Ultimate and Journey level memberships by clicking the button above.

Use the discount code SPRINGTOGETHER for $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership!

Sign into your account and download the ebook for the details, more links, and notebook pages.

Use the discount code INITTOGETHER to receive $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Membership!

Please use the discount code INITTOGETHER to receive $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Membership.

Please use the discount code SPRINGBREAK to receive $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Membership

Please use the discount code SPRINGBREAK to receive $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Membership

Print a complete list of printables available in the Ultimate and Journey level memberships by clicking the button above.

Use the discount code NATURE5 for $5 off an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership!

<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-21968" alt="Outdoor Hour Challenge Moose Nature Study" src="https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Outdoor-Hour-Challenge-Moose-Nature-Study-543x600.jpg" width="543" height="600" />

You can access the complete challenge by using the lesson in the Forest Fun ebook that is available in both the Ultimate Naturalist and Journey level memberships.

Outdoor Hour Challenges for families since 2008!