Wildlife Viewing - With Your Child - Discover Magical "Eyeshine"

drawing of family With Your Child

Discover Magical "Eyeshine"

Eyeshine is the term used to describe the reflected light that bounces off a mirror-like layer near the back of an animal's eye. This light-capturing system allows light to pass through the eye twice and it is one way a nocturnal animal increases its ability to see in dim light.

Discover the natural world after dark with your family with this simple activity: hold a flashlight (one per person) on top of your head so that you are looking down the beam. Direct the beam at bushes or low vegetation. Chances are, you'll see the pink-tinted eyeshine of spiders. Near water, look for the greenish glow of frogs' eyes or the deep red ones of alligators. The color varies from species to species. Keep the beam directed at the eyeshine and move closer until you can spot its owner.