by Carol Coogan

I encourage you to take a moment now and then to observe the subtle turns of the seasons—the fragrance of flowers, the colors on the wings of a butterfly, veined patterns on a leaf that has gently fallen to the ground beside you, winter winds seemingly alive with whirling snowflakes, or again the first signs of returning migrations. If you hear the call of a bird you never noticed before, be curious, ask questions, look it up, and learn to call it by its name and know its unique behavior. These activities connect you with the natural world around you. They not only lead the way towards you becoming a backyard naturalist, but more importantly, they enrich your daily experience of life with awe, inspiration, delight and wonder.

Carol Coogan is an artist, illustrator, graphic designer, writer and nature enthusiast. This is Volume II of the "Backyard Naturalist," a compilation book based on her weekly Times Union newspaper column of the upstate New York region. Carol has been keeping a nature journal—off and on—for over twenty years. It is her hope that this book will inspire you to observe and enjoy the natural world around you.