June is finally here, and you can feel the shift in the air. The days are long and warm, the school year is winding down, and the promise of summer break hangs bright with possibility. It’s the season for adventure, for exploration, and for making memories.
This summer, as you plan your getaways and activities, why not make room for a little wild discovery? The natural world is bustling with activity right now, from the first wobbly steps of a fawn to the buzz of a thousand bees in a field of wildflowers. You don’t need to be an expert or travel far to have a meaningful wildlife experience. Here are a few fun ideas to connect with the incredible creatures that share our summer.
1. Become a Backyard Biologist
Your own backyard, balcony, or local park is a thriving ecosystem. Grab a notebook and a sense of curiosity, and spend some time just observing.
- Set up a water station: A simple, shallow dish of water (a bird bath) can be a lifeline for birds, bees, and squirrels during a hot spell. Keep it clean and watch who comes to visit!
- Identify your neighbours: Who are the regular birds at your feeder? What kind of bees are visiting your flowers? Use a field guide or an app like iNaturalist to put a name to the familiar faces. Keeping a “species list” for your yard can be a fun challenge for the whole family.
2. Master the Art of the Tide Pool
If you live near the coast, a trip to a rocky beach at low tide is like visiting a natural aquarium. The small pools left behind by the receding ocean are teeming with incredible creatures.
- What to look for: Search for scuttling shore crabs, colourful sea stars clinging to rocks, and vibrant green anemones.
- The golden rule: Look with your eyes, not with your hands. These are delicate ecosystems. If you gently turn over a rock to see what’s underneath, be sure to place it back exactly as you found it.
3. Go on a “BioBlitz”
Turn any hike or park visit into an exciting scientific mission by holding your own BioBlitz! A BioBlitz is an effort to find and identify as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period.
- How it works: Use the iNaturalist app on your phone. Simply snap photos of plants, insects, fungi, and animals you find. The app and its community will help you identify them.
- Why it matters: Every observation you upload contributes to a global database that real scientists use to track biodiversity, monitor species health, and understand our changing world. You’re not just having fun; you’re contributing to conservation.
4. Plan a Responsible Wildlife Viewing Trip
Summer is a great time to see larger animals, but it must be done with respect.
- Whale watching: Choose a tour operator that is a member of the Whale Wise program, ensuring they follow strict guidelines to avoid stressing the animals.
- Bear viewing: Whether from a designated viewing platform or just driving through a provincial park, always view from a safe distance and never, ever feed them. Your car is your best wildlife blind. Stay inside it.
The most important part of any wild adventure is to leave the space better than you found it and to treat the animals with respect. Always give them plenty of space, pack out everything you pack in, and let their lives continue undisturbed by your presence.
Have a wonderful, wild, and adventurous summer!