From attracting vibrant spring birds to your backyard feeder to respecting wildlife in the great outdoors to lying out on a moonless night to capture the view of millions of stars to observing bioluminescent organisms in the ocean, warmer weather is here, and getting outdoors may be calling your name.
We'll be sharing these science tips each week on wildlife, adventurous locations, and tools that can help you interact with your surroundings. What do you want to know more about? Let us know at editorial@discovermagazine.com.
1. How to Stargaze Without a Telescope
You don’t need a telescope to start stargazing — just a little planning and patience.
(Image Credit: sripfoto/Shutterstock)
The best way to ensure a successful stargazing outing is to plan ahead, and one of the best resources is your phone. Apps like Stellarium or SkySafari can help you map out what will be visible in the night sky at specific dates and times.
When it comes to location, your backyard could be the perfect place. However, you’ll likely get a much better view away from city lights, tall buildings, and trees. Ideal spots include the countryside and national parks.
Once you’ve chosen your spot, don’t rush the process, as your eyes will need time to adjust to the dark. Astronomers call this “dark adaptation,” and it takes about 15 to 30 minutes. During this time, avoid checking your phone because even a quick glance can ruin your night vision.
A few tips to identify what you’re looking at:
- A twinkling object is a star.
- A steady light is likely a planet.
- A steady, moving light is probably a satellite.
And don’t forget to keep an eye on the moon, as a bright, near-full Moon can wash out fainter objects like stars.
With the right conditions and a bit of patience, the night sky is open to everyone!
Read More: The Lyrid Meteor Shower Is About to Peak — How to Catch the First Notable Spring Shower of 2026
2. How to Track Orioles Spring Migration
One of the best parts of spring in North America is that songbirds are beginning to migrate back north, including the vibrant black-and-orange oriole. Not only do these birds have stunning colors and a beautiful song, but they're also fairly acrobatic, often hanging upside down in trees to find food. After spending the winter in Florida, the Caribbean, Central America, and even parts of northern South America, these medium-sized songbirds are making their way up into the northern U.S. and Canada.
Baltimore oriole.
(Image Credit: Jeff Caverly/Shutterstock)
If you’re hoping to catch sight of this beautiful backyard bird, here is where they’re most likely to be:
- You’ll most likely find Baltimore and Orchard Orioles in the eastern and central U.S. and Canada.
- Some species, such as Bullock’s orioles, live in the Western U.S.
- Orioles are often found in open woodlands, near rivers, and in tall, leafy deciduous trees.
Though it may seem unusual, orioles actually migrate at night, so you’re not likely to see them flying by. However, there are ways you can help them on their long journey and still see them:
- Limiting outdoor light pollution — Turning off yard lights at night can help prevent disorientation.
- Add their favorite foods to your feeders, such as oranges, grape jelly, and mealworms, to attract them to your yard.
Keep your eyes open for other migrating songbirds that are making their way north, including warblers, hummingbirds, and many more!
3. How to Safely Observe Wildlife on a Hike
Spotting wildlife on a hike can be one of the most memorable parts of spending time outdoors. But knowing how to react in these moments matters just as much as the sighting itself.
Animals may see humans as a threat, or in some cases, associate people with food. Getting too close can change their natural behavior, stress them out, or even put you in danger — especially with large animals like black bears.
If you encounter wildlife, your first instinct should be to observe, not approach.
Things to do:
- Stay on marked trails and in designated lookout spots.
- Use binoculars or a zoom lens to get a closer look.
- Stay in the animal’s line of sight so you do not startle it.
- Limit how long you stay nearby to reduce stress on the animal.
Things to avoid:
- Walking toward animals or trying to get closer for photos.
- Surrounding animals or approaching them from different directions.
- Whistling, shouting, or making sudden loud noises.
- Feeding wildlife or encouraging interaction.
Animals often show warning signs when they feel stressed or scared. Watch for quick or agitated movements, raised fur, intense staring, lowered heads, and huffing sounds.
If an animal you’ve come across does seem curious, stay where you are and let it decide how close to get.
Respecting wildlife helps protect their habitat — and makes every encounter safer and more meaningful.
4. Where to See Bioluminescence in North America
Bioluminescence is one of those things that almost looks fake in videos until you see it in person. The water lights up with movement, leaving glowing trails behind waves, boats, and even swimming fish. With summer approaching, conditions for seeing the phenomenon are improving in many parts of North America, as tiny marine organisms called dinoflagellates begin glowing when the water around them moves.
Bioluminescent waves in New South Wales.
(Image Credit: RugliG/Shutterstock)
If you’re hoping to see bioluminescence for yourself, here are some of the best places to go:
- San Juan Islands — Located between Washington State and Vancouver Island, these islands are best known for summer kayaking trips. Visibility is often strongest between July and September.
- Tomales Bay — About an hour north of San Francisco near Point Reyes, the bay becomes known for glowing blue waves during late summer and fall, especially between July and November.
- Mosquito Bay — Located on Puerto Rico’s island of Vieques, this bay is often considered one of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world. Warm weather keeps the glow visible year-round.
- Indian River Lagoon — Stretching along Florida’s Space Coast east of Orlando, this lagoon is one of the best-known places in the continental U.S. for bioluminescence. Summer conditions between June and September are usually the brightest.
- Desolation Sound — Located along British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast northwest of Vancouver, the area’s calm, sheltered waters can glow during warm summer nights, particularly in July and August.
A few things can improve your chances of seeing it:
- Go during a new moon or on very dark nights.
- Avoid bright lights and phone screens.
- Calm and warm weather usually creates better conditions.
- Kayaking is often the best way to experience the glow up close.
- Bring a headlamp with a red-light setting.
Bioluminescence is never guaranteed, but under the right conditions, even a small movement through the water can light up the ocean.
Read More: This Glowing Fish Steals Bioluminescence Instead of Making Its Own Light
