WILDLIFE AROUND US Field Guide & Drawing Book: Volume Proof Learn to identify and draw birds, insects, and other wildlife from the great outdoors! RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506.indd Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 6/2/17 4:15 PM Quarto is the authority on a wide range of topics Quarto educates, entertains, and enriches the lives of our readers— enthusiasts and lovers of hands-on living www.quartoknows.com © 2017 Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc Published by Walter Foster Jr., an imprint of The Quarto Group All rights reserved Walter Foster Jr is a registered trademark The National Wildlife Federation & Ranger Rick contributors: Children’s Publication Staff, Licensing Staff, and in-house naturalist David Mizejewski © National Wildlife Federation All rights reserved www.RangerRick.com Illustrations by Diana Fisher Photos © Shutterstock, except Anna's hummingbird photo on page 16 © Charles Gonzales Digital edition: 978-1-63322-544-2 Softcover edition: 978-1-63322-383-7 All rights reserved No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the copyright owners All images in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the artists concerned, and no responsibility is accepted by producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise, arising from the contents of this publication Every effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with information supplied We apologize for any inaccuracies that may have occurred and will resolve inaccurate or missing information in a subsequent reprinting of the book Orchard Road, Suite 100 Lake Forest, CA 92630 quartoknows.com Visit our blogs at quartoknows.com Reproduction of work for study or finished art is permissible Any art produced or photomechanically reproduced from this publication for commercial purposes is forbidden without written consent from the publisher, Walter Foster Jr Proof Printed in China 10 RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506.indd Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 6/2/17 4:15 PM Table of Contents Welcome from Ranger Rick Chapter 4: Incredible Insects 58 Naturalist Fieldwork Identifying Insects 60 Cameras & Binoculars 10 Monarch Butterfly 62 Sketching & Coloring Animals 12 Stink Bug 64 Your Naturalist Notebook 14 Cricket 66 Red-Banded Hairstreak 68 Walking Stick 70 17-Year Cicada 72 Luna Moth 74 Yellow Jacket 76 Red Admiral Butterfly 78 Chapter 2: Amazing Birds 16 Identifying Birds 18 Bald Eagle 20 Northern Cardinal 22 Barn Owl 24 Blue Jay 26 Wild Turkey 28 Baltimore Oriole 30 Pileated Woodpecker 32 American Goldfinch 34 Cedar Waxwing 36 Golden Eagle 38 Ruby-Throated Hummingbird 40 Chapter 3: Fascinating Reptiles & Amphibians 42 Identifying Reptiles & Amphibians 44 Common Box Turtle 46 Gila Monster 48 Pacific Tree Frog 50 Red Salamander 52 American Green Anole 54 Alligator 56 RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506.indd Blue Jay Proof Chapter 1: Getting Started Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 6/2/17 4:15 PM Proof to ld guide e i f ’s k c i er R e to Rang m o c l e us as you W n i o J ! s r e itt d erican cr m A h t r ptiles, an e No r , s d r i b ts, he insec t e t u o b a , from th u o learn y d n u hat surro t s n a i b i tterfly to u b amph h c r a n g and mo o r f e e r t contains Pacific k o o b s i eagle Th lp the bald cts to he e j o r p g n wi -step dra y b p e t s al to life 26 m i n a d e r ach featu e g g n i r b scinatin a you f , s p i t rk d fieldwo n i f o s l a graphs o t o You’ll h p l u lorf s, and co t c a f l a uest for q r u anim o y n ui nspire yo i o t t u o y! through e journe h t y o j n E ge knowled RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506.indd Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 6/2/17 4:15 PM RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506.indd Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 6/2/17 4:15 PM Proof North America has a diverse landscape, from deserts and grasslands to mountains and even tropical areas No matter where you live, Ranger Rick and this handy field guide will help you discover the animals around you Getting Started In this chapter, you’ll learn how to prepare for outdoor excursions—from packing your backpack and taking great photos to recording notes and drawings Proof When we’re busy at school and in our homes, it can be hard to remember that people are part of nature! We are animals, too—and we’re an important part of the circle of life Unlike other animals, we have the unique ability to study and protect other species The first step in accomplishing this is to get outside and learn about nature Let’s start NOW! RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506.indd Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 6/2/17 4:16 PM Why spend time outdoors? You'll get smarter The world around you is fascinating, with living organisms everywhere you look! The more time you spend outdoors, the more you’ll notice, be curious, and learn You’ll help animals The more you learn about the animals that surround us, the more likely you’ll be to protect them Human decisions can have a big impact on the natural environment, so you will use your new knowledge to conserve threatened animals and the plants they need to thrive You’ll be healthier RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506.indd Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 6/2/17 4:16 PM Proof Fresh air, sun, and exercise make exploring the outdoors great for your body It improves distance vision too! Spending time in nature is also proven to calm your mind and lift your spirits Naturalist Fieldwork A naturalist is someone who studies natural life, like plants and animals And fieldwork is what people when they go out into the real world, into nature, to study, rather than learning in a classroom or lab Once you get outside and start observing nature, you will be a naturalist doing fieldwork! Naturalists who go into the field prepared are the ones who the best work and have the most fun Bring: A backpack with the following: Bottle of water Pencil Notebook for sketching and taking notes Magnifying glass (for viewing small critters) Binoculars Camera Proof Map or GPS device and compass RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506.indd Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 6/2/17 4:16 PM 67 RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506.indd 67 Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 67 6/2/17 4:24 PM Proof Red-Banded Hairstreak Calycopis cecrops This gray butterfly has a red streak with fine black and white lines on the underside of each wing Its legs and antennae have black and white bands The caterpillar of this butterfly feeds on the fallen leaves of sumac, wax myrtle, and oak trees The red-banded hairstreak has small tails and eyespots that create the illusion of a head on its backside This feature protects its actual head from being attacked by predatory spiders Order: Lepidoptera Family: Lycaenidae Diet: Nectar; the caterpillar lives on and eats the leaves of sumac, wax myrtle, and oak trees Size: About inch wide Habitat: Overgrown fields and forest edges Proof Found in the southeastern United States 68 RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506.indd 68 Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 68 6/2/17 4:24 PM 69 RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506.indd 69 Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 69 6/2/17 4:24 PM Proof WALKING STICK Diapheromera femorata This slender insect disguises itself among plants and trees Its coloring and spiny, ridged body provide excellent camouflage, making it look just like a stick! The walking stick’s eggs are also camouflaged They look like seeds! If a walking stick in its nymph stage is attacked and loses a leg, it can grow a new one The new leg is often smaller than the original Order: Phasmida Family: Diapheromeridae Diet: Fresh leaves, especially from oak and hazelnut trees Size: About inches long Proof Habitat: Deciduous woods and forests Found in the eastern United States and in southern Canada 70 RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506.indd 70 Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 70 6/2/17 4:24 PM 71 RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506.indd 71 Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 71 6/2/17 4:25 PM Proof 17-YEAR CICADA Magicicada septendecium The 17-year cicada has reddish-orange eyes and legs, and clear wings with orange veins There are a few different kinds of cicadas, but this is the largest The 17-year cicada gets its name from its fascinating life cycle Just once every 17 years, these long-lived insects, which live underground during their juvenile nymph stage, come out as adults to mate For about two months, the males can be heard “singing” to attract the females Order: Homoptera Family: Cicadidae Diet: Sap of tree roots Because all 17-year cicadas mate at once in a short period of time, there are a lot of cicadas during this time, up to 1.5 million cicadas an acre And they’re very loud! Size: 1.5 inches long Habitat: Juvenile nymphs live Proof 2C underground; adults live in trees Found in the Eastern United States 72 RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506_C2.indd 72 Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 72 6/6/17 9:23 AM 73 RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506.indd 73 Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 73 6/2/17 4:25 PM Proof Luna Moth Actias luna This moth has a large, green body with broad, long-tailed wings It gets its name from the moon-like eye spots on its wings The male moth also sports feathered antennae! The luna moth does not eat! As a caterpillar, it feeds on tree leaves, but once it emerges from the cocoon, it doesn’t have a complete mouth It got enough energy from the food it ate as a caterpillar to mate and reproduce, which is the only goal of an adult luna moth Order: Lepidoptera Family: Saturniidae The luna moth has a very long tail that helps protect it from bats These predators are drawn to attacking this area instead of more important areas, such as the head and abdomen Diet: Tree leaves, such as walnut, hickory, and birch (as a caterpillar) Size: About 4.5 inches wide Proof 2C Habitat: Deciduous hardwood forests Found throughout eastern North America 74 RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506_C2.indd 74 Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 74 6/5/17 2:08 PM 75 RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506.indd 75 Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 75 6/2/17 4:25 PM Proof yellow jacket Genus: Vespula The yellow jacket wasp is a winged insect with a black-and-yellow coloring There are several species of wasp grouped together as “yellow jackets.” While some people are afraid of the yellow jacket because it can sting repeatedly (unlike bees), this insect is actually very beneficial for humans It eats many plant pests that kill crops of food that people eat Order: Hymenoptera Family: Vespidae Some wasps are solitary, but the yellow jacket lives in a colony and builds a nest underground A colony can contain thousands of workers! Diet: Insects, spiders, carrion, fruit, and nectar Size: 0.5 to inch long Habitat: Lawns and the base of trees Proof 2C or shrubs Found throughout North America 76 RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506_C2.indd 76 Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 76 6/5/17 2:08 PM Yellow jackets usually won’t bother you if you don’t bother them or disturb their nests However, they can sting repeatedly—and some people are severely allergic to their stings Be very careful and keep your distance when encountering yellow jackets in the field 77 RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506.indd 77 Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 77 6/2/17 4:25 PM Proof Red Admiral butterfly Vanessa atalanta This brownish-black butterfly has red-orange bands and white and blue markings on its wings It is one of the most widespread butterflies on earth! The caterpillar lives on and eats stinging nettle But don't touch stinging nettle without gloves! This plant is protected by stinging hairs on its stems and the undersides of its leaves Order: Lepidoptera Family: Nymphalidae This butterfly migrates or hibernates in the winter, but it tolerates pretty cold weather for a butterfly It can be seen flying around on sunny winter days Diet: Rotting fruit, sap, bird droppings, and nectar; the caterpillar’s host plant is stinging nettle Size: inches wide Habitat: Moist woodlands and fields, from the subtropics to the tundra Proof Found throughout North and Central America 78 RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506.indd 78 Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 78 6/2/17 4:26 PM 79 RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506.indd 79 Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 79 6/2/17 4:26 PM Proof Continue the Adventure! Now that you’ve gotten to know some of North America’s fascinating animals, don’t stop learning! There are endless birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects to seek and study Besides looking in your own backyard, go to local parks and hiking trails Make a list of all the nature preserves, animal sanctuaries, and national parks that you’d like to visit You’ll be surprised at how many resources await you! Eastern Bluebirds About the National Wildlife Federation Securing the future of wildlife through education and action since 1936, the National Wildlife Federation is one of America’s largest conservation organizations In January 1967, the National Wildlife Federation started publishing Ranger Rick® magazine, which has cultivated generations of young wildlife enthusiasts to become lifelong partners in protecting our environment alongside their charismatic ambassador, Ranger Rick, and his friends Read more Ranger Rick! Check out the Ranger Rick, Ranger Rick Jr., and Ranger Rick Cub magazines at RangerRick.com And get these other guides from Ranger Rick: Proof 2C National Wildlife Federation Naturalist David Mizejewski is a naturalist, author, and the host of NatGeo WILD’s television series Pet Talk As a wildlife expert, he has appeared on many television and radio shows, including Conan, Good Morning America, and the Today show A lifelong naturalist, David spent his youth exploring the woods, fields, and wetlands, observing and learning all about the natural world around us He lives in Washington, D.C 80 RR3 Wild Life Around Us_Interior_12506_C2.indd 80 Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Octopus) WLY Page: 80 6/5/17 2:10 PM ... WILDLIFE AROUND US Field Guide & Drawing Book: Volume Proof Learn to identify and draw birds, insects, and other wildlife from the great outdoors! RR3 Wild Life Around Us_ Interior_12506.indd... Wild Life Around Us_ Interior_12506.indd Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 6/2/17 4:15 PM RR3 Wild Life Around Us_ Interior_12506.indd Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life. .. North America 20 RR3 Wild Life Around Us_ Interior_12506.indd 20 Job: 12506 Title: RR3 Wild Life Around Us (Provision) WLY Page: 20 6/2/17 4:18 PM 21 RR3 Wild Life Around Us_ Interior_12506.indd