Tips for iNaturalist:
Taking quality photos
1) Get close!
2) Take photos from multiple angles. Get the leaves and flowers, or the body and the head.
3) Fill the frame with your subject
4) Sharp photos that are in focus are best for identification.
How to geotag your photos for iNat
Are you using a DSLR to take photos? Follow these instructions to gather geolocation data and add it to your observations. You'll need a handheld GPS unit or a smartphone with a GPS tracking app. Make sure your camera is set to the correct date and time and start your GPS tracker. You can merge this data with your photos later.
How to add sound to an observation
Need to add a photo or sound to an observation? Using a computer, open your observation on iNaturlist.org. Click the add media button and select the file you would like to upload.
Tips for finding and photographing species:
Catching Critters
1) Look for critters under rocks and logs
2) Use a net to catch flying insects
3) Use lights to attract insects at night
4) Use a net to scoop critters out of streams or ponds
5) Break apart rotting wood to find termites and larvae
6) Lay a sheet under a tree or bush and shake the branches
7) Be patient!
Focus on Wild Species
Wild observations contribute important data about species biogeography, migration, and more! What makes a species captive/cultivated versus wild? The iNat app makes this important distinction. The species is captive if it is present because humans intended for it to be there. This could be your pet, an ornamental flower garden, or animals at the zoo. The observation is wild if the species is present on its own accord, like a moth in the house, seashell on the beach, a weed in the sidewalk, or a fish swimming in the reef.
Attracting Birds
This can be as simple as putting out feeders. Want to make your own feeders? Follow this link for DIY pinecone feeders, bird seed cookies, and more. Other bird attractions include misters, bubblers, or other audible sources of water. Try a variety of seeds and berries to attract different bird species, like black-oil sunflower seeds, thistle, seed mixes, suet, and nectar. Birds like to assess the scene from safety perches, so try placing bird feed near trees or shrubbery.
Tips for Smartphone Photography
1) Get as much natural light as you can
2) Set the focus and exposure by tapping your subject on the screen
3) Get close to your subject, fill the frame
4) If the subject is moving, use a flash or try burst mode
5) Prevent your shadow from shading your subject
6) Take photos from multiple angles
7) Photograph the bright side rather than the shaded side
Moth Lighting
Setting up a light and a sheet to attract moths is a simple and easy way to bring more nature into your backyard! Photographing moths on the sheet is really easy, and you'll definitely attract other flying insects as well.
Herp Havens
Want to bring reptiles and amphibians to your yard? Try adding a cover-board to create a dark space with moisture for these animals. This cover-board will need to be in place for 2-4 weeks before it attracts any herps. In the mean time, it will attract other critters like snails and slugs for your observation.
Gardening for Wildlife
Plant with a purpose! Use native plants to create habitat for local species. Use special plants to attract birds and pollinators, like butterflies and bees! Butterfly weed, milkweed, and flowering edible herbs, like dill and parsley, will attract butterflies. Flowering shrubs and trees will provide food and cover for various bugs and birds. Gardening offer so many benefits beyond habitat provision, like stress reduction, mood boosting, Vitamin D absorption, outdoor education, carbon sequestration, the list goes on!
Common SoFlo Plants
How many of these common South Florida plants can you find in your backyard? Some call them weeds, but in the spirit of celebrating urban biodiversity, we will call them opportunistic, hardy, and resilient plants!
Activities for All Age Groups:
Identification Guide
Here's a guide to some of SoFlo's most common species. You'll likely find them just outside your front door! If you spot one of these species, remember to document it on iNat. We've included the common and scientific names of each species to encourage research grade observations.
