Winter Journal Prompts

• Identify tree twigs 
• Scout out the different colors of winter 
• Learn the circumpolar stars. These are the stars that are always in the sky since they circle the North or South pole. 
• Look for signs of insects - galls, leaf miners and leaf rollers 
• Identifying winter birds - with so few around they are easy to learn 
• Begin to feed winter birds 
• Which birds are still around? 
• What are they eating? 
• Identify winter grasses and plants 
• Learn the difference between evergreen (or conifer) trees 
• Look for winter seed heads and berries - Which are eaten last by birds and other animals? 
• Look for signs of winter mammals - tunnels, trails and tracks. 
• Look for old birds nests in trees, shrubs and under house eaves 
• Learn the difference between evergreen plants. 
• Which plants stay green in winter? 
• Sketch or photograph animals tracks in the mud and snow. 
• Record the activity in the night sky. 
• Record the moon phases, or the setting or rising sun 
• Sketch or photograph trees silhouettes. 
• Record signs of animal activity. 
• Record the different types of pine cones 

I use all the following books to deepen my understanding of winter. Some of the titles are out-of-print, but are available used on Amazon.com and other online sellers. And of course try your local library.