outside our drinks

stuff to do this winter

be a winter wildlife detective

Some animals are really good at staying out of sight. But just because you can’t see them, it doesn’t mean they’re not there. This activity will help you read nature so you can spot signs of feeding, work out who’s about and see what everyone gets up to when you’re not around.

InnocentDrinks, child and older man looking at jar

step 1

Wrap up warm, grab a notepad and head into the great outdoors to see who’s about this winter.

step 2

Start by writing down what you can see. Look for birds, squirrels and panthers (we’re joking, but if you see one, run).

step 3

Now to search for the wildlife that doesn’t want to be spotted. Look for signs of feeding. Found some chewed branches near the ground? Could be a rabbit. See some higher up? Might be a deer.

step 4

Keep an eye out for animal tracks. These will be easy to spot in the snow and the mud. Draw any footprints you see and look them up when you get home.

step 5

Stay on the lookout for animal droppings. Keep notes of what you find and research them later – but don’t touch anything.

step 6

Don’t just rely on your eyes. Listen out for stuff like birdsongs. Hear a faint drumming noise? Could be a woodpecker drilling for some grub.

step 7

Take your findings home and draw up a list of all the animals you saw (and the ones you didn’t).

outside our drinks

stuff to do this winter

We had a load of snow-based activities written here, but you’ve got as much chance of snow in winter as sun in summer, so enjoy our non-snow-based activities below.

see all activities