Blame it on the covad, but we’ve spent a lot of time outdoors working in our yard as a family. From dining areas, to fences to landscaping and now the cabana… it’s kind of been our very favorite project at home in between client work this spring + summer. It’s been a great bonding moment with the kiddos, too. And it dawned on me the other day that since we’ve spent a lot of time outdoors with the kids, we’ve also ramped up our educational apps for the outdoors, and discussing all the things. Bird watching, plant identification and star gazing. Today, we wanted to share our 3 favorite nature apps with all of you!
Read: I’m totally finishing up the planner as you read this, so enjoy this slight jumping of the shark.
1. The Merlin App
This is our latest fave, shared with us via a sweet follower on insta. And it’s brilliant. The Merlin App helps identify birds in your yard, if you’re a big fan of bird watching.
We’ve adored watching all the little chickadees in your yard, from multiple families and their babies leaving the nests, to even assisting in the rescue of some abandoned baby ducks. If you’ve been following along on our instagram, you probably recall some of our antics. They’ve been our saving grace durning all things shut down.
But here’s the best part about the app. It does more than identify birds. You can call them. We’re still trying it out, but our reader even had an owl come and visit them and their children after they connected it to their wireless speaker. SO. MUCH. FUN. It definitely ups the ante with all things bird watching in the back yard, wouldn’t you say?
2. Picture This
Picture This is an amazing plant identifier app.
Okay so be warned, this one charges. I’m saying that up front. But it has a free trial period. I had decided I enjoyed it so much, I wanted to use it on my phone for a while. We’ve had so many adventures in the back yard identifying plants, I’d say it’s worth it. If anyone knows of a free version, please let us know.
We have now re-homed/planted 40 shrubs/bushes and 22 trees on our property. Is it a weed? Is it a maple? Take a photo, and find out! I also have a cutting garden each spring/summer where I love to grow flowers. I wouldn’t have known these were sunflowers without the app!
JK guys. But I threw in some wildflowers this year, and some mysteries {aside from the obvious} were in the mix. It’s been fun to be able to name and learn all about them! And we even relocated a honeysuckle plant that I would have thought was a weed, so that it can attract hummingbirds. Side note: honeysuckles are considered weeds, but I love them because childhood.
I say let them grow.
3. The Star Tracker App.
The Star Tracker App will map out the stars for you in the night {or day} sky. Is it a star? A satellite? A planet? {Does anyone else start playing Dave Matthews in their head when they hear the word “satellite”?} We’ve been known to whip this one out on more than one occasion with friends and family. It makes it easy to identify the night sky and it even plays fun music which I find adds to the whole experience. In Jamaica we found Mars and Venus with the naked eye when we were told it was a satellite, but were able to confirm it with the app. We had an engaging conversation with the staff there, in which the manager told us he was downloading it for his kiddos. So fun and educational! We had so much fun viewing the night sky in a different location, when we weren’t doing things like the silent disco, of course.
All this right before the apocalypse hit. Take me back.
So what are some of your favorite educational and useful apps? We would LOVE to hear some of yours and what you recommend.
Tons of fun going on behind the scenes over here. Stay tuned for all of it coming your way.
Have an inspired day!
Brilliant Concept!! Keep up the Good Work!!
I just love the blue and white privacy fence area!