The Amateur Naturalist
Becoming a naturalist can be a journey that lasts a lifetime.
I've always admired people who could tell you what kind of bird was flying overhead, just by the silhouette. Or how the insects on the yellow flower over there spend their life cycle in a few short weeks. I have been striving toward being that person for most of my life.Here are some thoughts and insights I have gained along the way.
A naturalist is a student of the natural world. Henry David Thoreau said: For many years I was a self-appointed inspector of snowstorms and rainstorms, and did my duty faithfully, though I never received one cent for it." (Journal, February 22, 1845-1847).
A naturalist understands the land that they live in. They understand the cycle of stars in the night sky and the patterns of clouds that foretell rain.
A naturalist spends a lot of time observing. To observe you must be still and quiet in one spot until your presence is forgotten and the animals ignore you and their life resumes. This is when you see the mundane chores of gathering food, courting and raising young.
Donna watching migrating hawks and other raptors at Hawk Mountain.
The naturalist needs to observe and identify the plants, animals and minerals around them.
The naturalist keeps records on the daily, weekly and monthly happenings. Over time, the cycle of life emerges. (see keeping a nature journal and phenology pages)
The naturalist studies and reads about the habitats and land forms their home is in.
The naturalist knows the common plants and animals where they live.
The naturalist knows the ecological patterns and processes in their home ecosystem.
A naturalist freely shares the information they have learned.
Being a naturalist is a lifelong journey. There is always something new to learn and understand. It is never finished and never boring.
Connecting-with-Nature has plenty of information to start you on your journey, or to help you along if you have already started.
And final words: Start small, right where you are.
More Topics - Keeping a Nature Journal
- Observing checklist
- Nature Calendars
- Basic equipment
- Best Books for Identifying Plants and Animals
- Best Ecology Guides
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