Tips for a Self Guided Night Walk
Thinking about heading out on the trails at night? Well, from stargazing to wondering what animals do at night, here are some great suggestions and links for things to try and think about when you head out after dark. Check out the tips and podcasts below then gear up, grab your headlamp or flashlight, and go explore!
The Simple Things
It doesn't take much to appreciate how different the trails can be at night. Some simple things you can try:
- Stand silently in place for a moment and listen. What do you hear?
- Turn off all your headlamps and flashlights. How long does it take for your eyes to adjust? Do you hear even more sounds?
- With your lights still off, look up. Do you recognize any constellations, stars or planets? Any shooting stars?
Take time on your hikes to try these simple things in different places - in open clearings, in among big trees, by streams or ponds. And, most of all, enjoy the time outdoors in the fresh air!
Stargazing
Start the new year right with the easy-to-follow stargazing highlights offered by our Sky Tour astronomy podcast from Kelly Beatty.
Who Cooks for You?
No, this isn't about dinner. Do you know what makes an owl especially adapted to hunting at night? How can you identify various owls just by hearing their calls? Learn these and other fun facts about one of the bird world’s most fascinating species. In this episode of Nature Centered, Wild Birds Unlimited naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham also share what you can do to bring owls closer to your own backyard.
Winging It Through Winter
Have you ever wondered how birds survive the cold weather? In this episode, John and Brian share how birds make it through the colder months and what you can do to help them.
Our Planetary Neighbors
When was the last time you traveled to the planets in our solar system? This show takes a closer look at each individual planet and a few facts that will simply amaze you!
Animals After Dark
What really happens after dark? Both prey and predator use the cover of night to their advantage? But how? This show takes you into the night.
When It's Always Dark...
John and Zoltan are both blind, but they deal with the world in completely different ways -- one paints vivid pictures in his mind, while the other refuses to picture anything at all. In this short, they argue about the truth of a world they can't see.
Astronomy for Kids
You can also check out the “Astronomy for Kids” website that has five podcasts that are narrated by kids from Australia.
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