Children today are growing up in an increasingly digital world. One where they are more likely to experience nature via a screen, rather than in person. However, we also live in a world where technology can be harnessed to turn these virtual experiences into learning opportunities about the natural world that surrounds them. For child care providers and parents seeking to develop wildlife observation skills in children, several digital resources can prove to be highly beneficial.

Project Noah

Project Noah stands for 'Networked Organisms And Habitats.' It's a tool that children can use to document local wildlife and share their findings with other users globally. The platform encourages users to take and upload photos of what they find, developing observation skills as kids learn to identify different species. The game-like interface and social networking aspect make this resource very engaging for younger users. By sharing images and being rewarded with badges, children not only learn about biodiversity but also get a sense of achievement and belonging.

eBird

eBird is a bird observation app created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which encourages users to track and share their bird sightings. Users can identify birds, take photos, record sounds, and save their observations to their life list. For young birdwatchers, this aids in learning to observe carefully and make accurate identifications, helping to hone scientific thinking and observational skills. The interactive maps and real-time submissions make it an excellent resource for classrooms or individual learning.

Marine Debris Tracker

The Marine Debris Tracker is a resource that works to raise awareness about the global issue of marine debris. It allows children to log and track litter they find, fostering an understanding of human impact on wildlife habitats. Not only do children enhance their wildlife observation skills, but they also learn about conservation, and the importance of looking after the environment.

Nature's Notebook

Another resource growing children's interest in wildlife observation is Nature's Notebook. It's a citizen science platform that encourages users to observe and record data about seasonal changes in plants and animals. Apart from refining observation skills, children can contribute to research about climate, ecosystems, and biodiversity. This brings a sense of undertaking real scientific work, stimulating their interest further in protecting wildlife and understanding nature.

iNaturalist

iNaturalist is a crowd-sourced species identification system and an organism occurrence recording tool. Users can take a photo of an organism, upload it, and the iNaturalist community will help identify it. To date, over a million users contributed more than fifty million observations. For young wildlife observers, this application not only improves species recognition skills but it also fosters a sense of being part of a community of naturalists.

Wild Kratts World Adventure

Wild Kratts World Adventure is a gaming app that introduces children to various creatures and their unique abilities. Players explore animal habitats and interact with creatures found around the world, tackling creature powers and collecting information. This app does an excellent job of blending fun and education - a great introduction for younger children to the world of wildlife observation.

WWF Together

WWF Together is an elegantly designed app from the World Wildlife Fund. The app offers a depth of information via uniquely interactive experiences, helping children understand various species and their environment. Children can explore the lives of 16 different endangered species. It's not just about information; the app shines in conveying the importance of conservation and wildlife protection.

In conclusion, while technology has been accused often of isolating children from the natural world, these various platforms show how digital means can be leveraged to foster an appreciation and understanding of wildlife. Remember, nurturing children to observe nature can help develop a lifelong passion for protecting our planet's biodiversity. Using these essential digital resources, we can provide kids in our care with an enriching, digitally integrated education that hones their observational skills, as well as educates them on wildlife and environmental conservation.