Photograph an animal in the wild

If we don't have a field guide or wildlife app, or if a camera/phone isn't available, what can we use instead?

Use printed species lists from the park website or library nature books as a field guide substitute and use your notebook and pencil to sketch animals instead of a camera or phone.

What should we do if we can't spot animals or they move away before we can photograph them?

Follow the step to scan the area slowly and stop at a safe distance, stay very still and quiet, try waiting in one spot or visiting early morning or evening, and use your camera's zoom or sketch in your notebook if the animal is far.

How can the walk and observation be adapted for younger children or older kids?

For younger children, shorten the walk, keep the adult close and turn the activity into a picture-scavenger hunt with simple matching, while older kids can use the field guide or wildlife app, take multiple respectful photos, and write detailed notes in the notebook.

How can we extend or personalize the activity after choosing a favorite photo and sharing it on DIY.org?

Turn it into a mini-project by printing your favorite photo, adding habitat and behavior notes from your notebook, creating a short slideshow or caption series, and including location and weather details when you share on DIY.org.