When I discovered a new plant, I sat down beside it for a minute or a day, to make its acquaintance and hear what it had to tell.
John Muir
The best way to learn about the animals and plants that surround us is just getting out and enjoying what you see. For some like me, it is photography. For others, it may be bird-watching, hiking, or observing creatures and “weeds” in your own yard.
In addition to getting out and exploring nature, I encourage you to learn about what you may encounter in the field by reading field guides and natural history books. I’ve posted book reviews of a few excellent guides as well as bibliographies for Florida flora and fauna in Field Guides and Books on My Bookshelves.