Winter on Cape Cod can be downright miserable, if you are outside. For many, it can be their least favorite season. Constantly checking for some of the subtle hints of spring can make one weary. 35 Degree rain, sleet and snow, with ice on the ground, can take the enjoyment away from being outside. The hiking on trails can change daily from frozen pack to swampy mud, and the wind at the beach can tear the warmth from exposed fingers, noses, cheeks and ears.
That’s all well and good, but about a week or so ago, we decided to take a family walk. The day started off drizzly and foggy…weather to be bundled up in, if taking a walk.
Winter walking is all about discoveries. On a woodland walk, it’s an opportunity to look for the aforementioned clues of spring or look for critter activity. The most common animal activity that your family can find while walking, is just the tracks that the animals leave behind from passing by. Look in the mud or snow on the trail, along a beach by a pond, stream or the ocean. On our walk we discovered prints from dogs and foxes, horse tracks, as well as those from deer, squirrels and turkeys.
Another fun activity, while walking, is to listen to the birds, and try to figure out where they are, and then to identify them by sight or song. Sometimes the little eyes of a child can be much more observant than those of an adult. Maybe turn it into a game of “Who can spot it first!”
We had a great walk, even though the weather wasn’t the most cooperative. A reminder that if it looks a bit dreary, just bundle up and get out for some exercise and entertainment. An opportunity to spend time together and learn together. To help young and old learn about tracks, and other animal sign, try this children’s book Tracks, Scats and Signs (Take Along Guides) and for bird identification for youngsters, look up Peterson’s The Young Birder’s Guide to Birds of North America. Both are great tools to help children learn about the birds and animals that live in the world around them and provide them with a better understanding about nature and all of its wonders!
