Every session, record:

• Beginning and end time of session
• Weather conditions (notice details about temperature, wind speed and direction, tide)
• Changes to habitat (notice tidal changes, moon phases, changes in vegetation, presence or absence of other animals, evidence of the presence of other animals…)
• Ways your own behavior may affect either the animal or your experience of the animal
• New details of animal appearance, animal behavior, habitat, or animal’s engagement with habitat and other animals (including you).

Close observation of animal activity:

• Describe behavior without ascribing meaning or intention.
• Describe the animal’s appearance (detailed narrative, not list):
• Coloring
• Size
• Gender
• Sounds
• As you become more familiar with your animal, notice behavior and activity patterns.
• Consider using ethograms – written and visual – to develop a language specific to your inquiry.

Every session, conduct reflective writing. Consider and periodically revisit:

• Why did you select this animal?
• What were your preconceptions about it?
• What surprised you about this animal?
• What has surprised you about yourself?
• What are you learning?
• What do you wonder?
• What conclusions can you draw based on your observations?
• Notice and record your relationship to the animal in its habitat.
• What are you feeling physically?
• What are you feeling emotionally?
• What are you thinking?
• How hard is it to stay focused?
• Do you feel attached to the animal? Antagonistic? Afraid? What?
• Have you become attached to this animal?
• Do you seek its recognition?

Other details to include:

Habitat Observations:

• Location address and/or physical description
• Ecology (riparian, boreal, alpine, desert, marine….)
• General characteristics (developed/undeveloped, managed/wild, dense/sparse human population, interior/exterior domestic, etc.)
• Specific characteristics (types of trees, presence of fresh/salt water)
• Other animals/species observed in habitat (including humans)