In the age of technology, animal behavior scientists are able to use high-definition videos, behavioral coding software, and strings of code to help with their research. Sometimes however, there is nothing quite like hanging out with your research journal and your very own eyeballs observing and recording what animals are doing. This can often be a great starting place for up-and-coming scientists to start generating questions and noticing behavioral patterns that can then be turned into a structured research project. Plus, who doesn’t love getting to stare at their favorite animals all day, postulating what it is like to be that species?

[Photo by Tristin McHugh and Caption by Karli Chudeau]

[Edited by Maggie Creamer]