"Are you someone with a desire to observe, protect and understand the natural world? You could be a backyard naturalist. You don't need to travel to remote corners of the globe to learn about an amazing array of wildlife, flora and habitat. There's plenty to study in your own neighborhood."

Carol Coogan is an artist, illustrator, graphic designer, writer, and nature enthusiast. This is a compilation of the third year of her weekly newspaper column, the "Backyard Naturalist," as it appeared in the Times Union of the Capital District, New York. 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 also observe and enjoy the natural world around you.