A Springtime Scavenger Hunt

Even though it’s only March, and not technically spring, we’ve had a few beautiful days that make me want to dive right into the season. Searching for signs of spring is an easy way to get out to enjoy a sunny day and get connected to nature as she awakens from her winter sleep.

Take a look at the list below and see how many of these you can find in your backyard or neighborhood. It may be a little too early to spot some of these (depending on where you live), but even here in Wisconsin we’ve spotted quite a few.

Things to look for:

• Nests
• Buds on trees
• Bulbs or plants starting to shoot up out of the ground. (Crocuses are early risers, then daffodils and tulips.  My garlic chives are also pushing up in the garden.)
• Something yellow
• Flowers beginning to bloom
• Pine Needles
• Snow melting and draining into ditches
• Moss
• Feathers
• Rocks with multiple colors
• Ice melting on lakes, ponds and ditches.
• Mushrooms on a tree
• Litter that was hiding in the snow
• Mud puddles

What critters are doing:

• Migrating birds returning
• Robins first appearance
• Animal tracks in the mud or along a streambed. Try to identify them!
• Worms coming out of the ground
• Squirrels eating or searching for food
• Moths flying
• Birds looking for food.
• Bugs under a log

What people are doing:

• Kids playing outside
• Someone walking with a stroller
• Laundry hanging outside

Things to listen for:

• Birds singing
• Early arriving frogs (like the Spring Peeper)
• The first thunderstorm

Remember to be a careful explorer!  Be safe and try not to disturb anything.

Have a great idea that I didn't include?
Suggestions for future post topics?
Just let me know in the “comments” section, thanks!

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like reading the post Find a Natural Space in  Your Area.

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