Try This: Observation Station
So much wonderful life surrounds us! If you have blossoming flowers, you might also see some colorful insects flying and buzzing about. It can be difficult to truly see how absolutely amazing these creatures are because they are seemingly constantly in motion. With just a few things you can make an observation station to get a better look!
Here’s what you need:
- A shallow dish, lid or container
- Overripe fruit
- Water, or fruit juice if you have it
- Camera
- Optional: tripod
Here’s what to do:
1. Wait for a sunny, non-windy day. Find a stable place and set up an observation station in an area that can be easily accessed and near where critters naturally tend to be.
2. Get a shallow dish or container and place a few rocks or marbles inside. Fill the container with water or juice mixed with water. If you have overripe fruit, place it in the dish as well.
3. Set up your camera or phone nearby and set it to record. If you plan to leave your observation station out for a long time, a time-lapse might be the best choice!
Watch from afar as animals come to visit the station. Though you may be farther away, the camera will allow you to get a great look at these magnificent creatures!
What’s happening:
Observing wildlife is a great way to enrich your own life, and your home is one of the best places that you can enjoy nature! This is also a great way to upcycle items that are destined for the trash, recycling bin, or compost pile.
The observation station you created will attract butterflies, bees, bumblebees and many other critters.
Butterflies have a straw-like mouth part called a proboscis to access nectar in flowers. You can assist in their search for nectar by setting out fruit. Strawberries, mangoes, oranges, watermelon, and bananas are just a few of the fruits you can use.
Overripe fruit is even better for attracting critters, so this is a great way to use the fruit in your household that is past its prime. Cut apples and orange slices can be hung from yarn or paper clips to attract animals as well. Be sure to clean the feeder weekly to prevent the spread of disease.
In addition to making an observation station for bugs, you can attract birds and squirrels into your view by making bird feeder with nut butter and bird seeds!
