Afternoon at the Audubon Center

It took us a little while to get going this morning but we ended up having a really great day today!

By mid- afternoon we were finally ready to do something and since all the boys did do some reading, writing and math we decided to head out on a field trip.

We've checked out a few Audubon centers over the years but we found a "new" one nearby that we had not yet been to.



It was great!

We knew it wasn't the perfect season for bird watching but it was a warmish, sunny day and we figured we'd see something while out walking.

We stopped at Subway for lunch and a picnic on the lawn. 

Look at the view!  I bet it was amazing last month with the foliage! 

Evan thought these "wrinkly" trees were neat

The younger boys loved this tree with most of it's roots showing

So many bushes, berries, and plants had gone to see and it was neat to
 feel and compare them all 

Like all these cattails! 

Reading about the history and the animals in the area we were hiking



Looking for bird's nests 

Another neat tree all ready to let it's seeds fly 

Alec thought these "thorny balls" were the coolest thing he'd ever seen

Until we stumbled upon this one that had lost it's hard, thorny outer shell! 

There were lots of beautiful berries around 

See the bird nest? 
After walking around the grounds for a bit we went inside to see what they had on display.

inside the center we checked out taxidermy animals and Alec
read most of the informational sheets alongside each animal
after telling us several facts he already knew. He was really
taken with the flying squirrel since he's never seen one in real life

Evan was more excited about the otter

Tree swallow-- Alec was able to show me how the feathers change
color depending on the light. 

Playing with the light up trail map
Not pictured; the center is setting up for a holiday bazaar and the boys had a great time looking through all the books, playing with the stuffed animals that made bird noises, and looking through all the fabulous artwork displayed by a local artist.  The boys and I talked about the skill used in creating such breath taking watercolors and then about the importance of numbers in the process of print making.

It was a fabulous day and we'll definitely be back!  We can't wait to see how the area changes through the seasons.

Comments

  1. Megan RussellNovember 18, 2015 at 3:27 AM

    What a beautiful area! My children love bird watching!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mother of 3November 19, 2015 at 9:27 AM

      We've decided we really need to start bringing binoculars with us. We could hear and see birds but they don't get all that close to identify them. My middle son is the most interested but the other two get excited when we see some; especially if they aren't a species we see often at our own feeders.

      Delete
    2. Mother of 3November 19, 2015 at 9:27 AM

      We've decided we really need to start bringing binoculars with us. We could hear and see birds but they don't get all that close to identify them. My middle son is the most interested but the other two get excited when we see some; especially if they aren't a species we see often at our own feeders.

      Delete
  2. Ethan.n.EvelynDecember 1, 2017 at 2:15 PM

    Wow! I've never seen a flying squirrel before. I had no idea they were that small. Interesting. Thanks again for linking up with us on #FabFridayPost x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mother of 3December 1, 2017 at 3:11 PM

      Yeah, they are pretty small and hard to spot in the wild.

      Delete

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