Dawn, Day, Night: Challenge Day 23

Do you always nature journal at the same time of day?

Today’s Prompt: Dawn, Day, Night

Last year I did a prompt for nature journaling inktober challenge about nature journaling at night. This year, someone on the Nature Journal Club Facebook page proposed “Dawn, day, night.” What a great idea! Especially for the equinox! For all those that like a more open ended prompt it will work. However, if you like a little more structure and time to procrastinate nature journaling then you have come to the right place. Let’s dive into some different ways to interpret this prompt.

Do I have to wake up early?

First of all, let’s get one thing straight. You don’t necessarily have to wake up at 5:oo am to do this prompt. Also, you don’t have to go hike somewhere remote like in the image above. You could do this prompt from the comfort of your home if you need to. Getting outside or even looking out the window is best if possible however.

Some nature journaling ideas for today:

1. Write a poem. Maybe go sit outside or sit near the window and interpret the prompt in a poetic way.
2. Use trail cams or web cams. There are many of these available now and you can find recordings of wildlife probably even from your own area to draw and nature journal about. Here is one example of a camera in Denmark on YouTube. Setting up your own trail camera would be the advanced version.
3. Actually try waking up early.
4. Nature journal in the same spot for 30 minutes at dawn, in the middle of the day, and at night.
5. You could also nature journal the track of the sun. The equinox was yesterday so it would be a cool observation. Here is a video with John Muir Laws about nature journaling the equinox.</li>

You are joking about nature journaling at night aren’t you?

In fact, I am totally serious. Nature journaling at night can be amazing even if all you do is draw some bugs at your porch light. You can see more about nocturnal nature journaling here. Here is another video where I talk about it. If you like colors be sure to get a blacklight.

But what if I’m completely new to nature journaling?

Regardless of your experience, we got you right here. Below are links to some super resources for beginner nature journalers.

Are you just getting started with Nature Journaling?

Here are tips and motivation for beginners.

Need help choosing supplies?

Where is the 30 day challenge?

If you missed the beginning you can still jump in now. Here is the complete guide.

If you want a PDF for printing: 30 Day Challenge Wild Wonder Nature Journaling