Do you notice different bird species in your neighbour-hood? If so, do you know their names or their birdcalls?
What about the giant trees that provide shade on hot summer days? Do you know when they flower and what their seeds look like? What about the sea-shells you pick up on beaches? Have you ever thought of looking them up in an encyclopaedia?

If the answer to these questions is negative, its time during these summer holidays to learn to connect with Nature. Here are some ideas:

1. Go for an early morning walk with a friend or a family member.

Take a shoebox along and gather interesting natural objects — an odd-looking flower, a brightly coloured bird feather or even a seed. Bring them home and research them. This can be a challenge, so go on the internet or to your school or local library.

2. Look around and keep track of the birds that visit your neighbourhood in a notebook. Can you find their nests? Draw or photograph them and stick the picture in your notebook. Try and identify it by species and write notes about its migratory and food habits. Add a feather under each picture, to make your own bird scrapbook.

3. Locate an ant hill, beehive or a termite hole. Keep an eye on their residents from a safe distance. You will be amazed at the flurry of activity that goes on around these insect homes!

Maintain a journal and track their colonies with dates and the time when their homes were set up, their daily activities, and finally, when they desert their habitats.

The more you study nature, the more interested you will become. Youll find many wonders in the world of wildlife.