Nora

Thi This is probably the most difficult skill to master, but the most important one for field study of animal behavior.  It's hard to focus on any one area when there is so much movement.  The birds I saw out in the wild moved slowly or where ready to roost.  The foxes in the video were too distracting--two at once!!

This is a very useful strategy for comparing similar species, in particular.  I didn't have the opportunity to see two similar species on the same day, but I would like to now practice this exercise with photos of Scaups and Ring Necked Ducks or American Wigeons and Green Winged Teals for example.  As for balancing drawing, writing, and recording data--I think its about taking the time and creating a habit around the practice.  Sometimes it's easier to draw than to write or collect information, and the other takes more effort.  When I'm rushed or feeling unmotivated, I can rely on a routine.  3,2,1

I nature journal with my children as it is part of our homeschool curriculum.  I am still exploring and refining my style as well as developing the technical artistic skills.  This introduction has been helpful in showing the various possibilities to incorporate in my journal.  I was drawn to the journals that balanced the drawings and word descriptions.  It's often difficult to do both at any given time.  I feel like I need to keep two separate journals.  One a quick /daily entry that gives me drawing practice and a less frequent but more detailed entry once a month that gives me time to delve into deeper observation and description.