The following is excerpted from Wild Vision Adventures In Observation, A Monthly Newsletter for Texas Wildlife Interpreters, Published by Wild Vision, July 1996 Volume 2, Issue 7.
One of the primary objectives in a trail walk is to stimulate observation. Our society focuses on providing non-participatory stimulation. We ask only to be mute spectators, deriving contentment through constant action from our entertainment media. Our involvement requires little thought more than which channel to surf to next. Observation is a skill that requires practice to sharpen. When something is observed a stream of questions should begin to flow - why are the fangs on a jumping spider iridescent green? How well can it see? Do the eyes in front see as well as the eyes on top of its head? How can that be tested? Does the jumping spider always lay a trail of silk when it travels, or only when there is a possibility it could fall? Each question leads to new and exciting lines of thought, inspiring further observation. Guide your group by asking questions that arise from your observations. Challenge them to discover the answers to questions you have never explored. RM
Natural History of North Central Texas Index
Royce & LuCretia Milam Copyright © July 1996 Wild Vision. All rights reserved.