Nature Sounds
What nature sounds are all around?
Goal:
Goal:
You can hear sounds all around if you take the time to stop and listen. Click through the slides to learn how to make your own nature observations and find out what sounds you might hear.
Daytime Observations
With a trusted adult, go outside during the day to an area that has lots of birds and bugs. A wooded area is good. Sit quietly for one minute with your eyes closed. Listen for the sounds of birds or of the breeze. What do you hear?
Daytime Nature Sounds
You might hear birds chirping in the trees. You might hear leaves rustling as squirrels try to find the best nuts. Birds make lots of different sounds. How many different bird sounds can you hear?
Nighttime Observations
Listen to the sounds of the night. With a trusted adult, go out at least one night after dark. If possible, go to a place away from houses, where you are more likely to hear the sounds of nature. What sounds do you hear?
Nighttime Nature Sounds
The animal world comes alive at night. You may hear an owl hooting in the distance or crickets chirping. In some places, you might even hear a wolf or a coyote howling. Frogs also start calling to each other at night.
Why Animals Make Sounds
Animals are a lot like people. They make sounds to communicate with each other. When wolves howl at night, they are letting the other members of the pack know where they are. Sounds can also be a warning to other animals not to come closer. Can you think of any animals that make warning sounds?
All-the-Time Sounds
Some sounds in nature do not come from animals and can be heard day or night. Can you think of any examples? Water and wind are two sounds in nature that you can hear any time.
Question
Why do animals make sounds?
Animals make sounds to communicate.