Head On Outdoors

By Rebecca Soulis & Jessica Adams

Have you ever wondered how to learn more about nature and why some people are so passionate about it? We challenge you and your families to spend more time outside to feel content, healthier and awed by nature. Let us introduce ourselves, Jessica Adams and Rebecca Soulis, two bilingual self-proclaimed Nature Nerds. We have loads of field experience as nature educators and consultants with backgrounds in wildlife biology and recreation. Both of us have a passion for learning and an even greater passion for sharing our knowledge with others.

We are nature enthusiasts and our goal is to:

• inspire nature exploration and encourage spending time outside
• highlight local celebrity species that we feel everyone should know more about
• foster a nature learning community

Spring is a time of new beginnings. Challenge yourself to spend 15 to 30 minutes per day outdoors in nature this spring. What do we mean by spending time in nature? Observing birds at a feeder, working in a garden, going for a walk in the park or on your property, hiking… all of these activities can be considered nature-themed if done with the intention to be present and on the lookout for what is happening in the environment around you. Nature is fascinating as it is in constant flux and there is always more to learn – even in our own backyard. The Eastern Townships are full of nature learning opportunities. Here are a few inspirational suggestions to help you meet the challenge:

– The One Nature Challenge by the David Suzuki Foundation

– Birding with Jason Campbell Saturday mornings – see suttonbirds.com

– Wonder Walks with Jessica Adams and Jamie Moar throughout the Eastern Townships

Seasonal Tip

Birds are beautiful and at their most active and best in the spring. Males sing to attract a mate, their feathers are fresh, bright and ready to impress. Bird watching can be done by ear and by sight, using both techniques increases one’s chances of identification. If birds interest you, but you are not sure where to begin, choose one type of bird to learn about at a time. Listen to its call, learn to recognize its size, color, behavior and habitat, then head on outdoors. Both adults and children can participate in this activity. By paying attention to the sounds and behaviors of birds, you can interpret your surroundings in a different way. A walk in the woods becomes a new experience. Drawing the bird or taking a picture can also bring new awareness and pleasure to the activity.

The Blue Jay is one of the more recognizable bird species of the area at about the size of a robin (slightly larger), with a vibrant blue covering its back and head. Hanging a bird feeder in your yard is a sure way to attract this beautiful bird. As you get better at recognizing the Blue Jay move on to another bird species.

For more nature inspiration send us an email.

Happy Nature Nerding!

Jessica & Rebecca

Nature Education Consultants

nature.nerding@gmail.com