Whether it’s a once in a lifetime trip to see rare species in another country or just getting to know local native animals better, these simple steps can help increase the likelihood of seeing wildlife.
Learn the Natural History of the Wildlife to be Seen
- Preferred Habitat- does the animal live deep in the woods or does it prefer the edges of woodland areas? Looking in the appropriate place is the first step to finding wildlife.
- Food and Water Sources-Does this species eat leaves or berries and other fruit? Is it a carnivore? If water is scarce in an area, spending time near access to a water source is also likely to result in good viewing. Searching in areas where food is available increase the odds of finding wild species.
- Activity Patterns- Many wild animals are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. Going out to view when wildlife is most likely to be moving around increases the chance of success.
Invest in a Good Pair of Binoculars
While animals may sometimes be seen with the naked eye, binoculars will greatly enhance wildlife viewing. Decent binoculars will last for many years if well cared for and the clear, close up image will quickly prove worth the expense. Finding animals perched high in trees, in the middle of an open field or far offshore becomes easier with binoculars. Positively identifying many wildlife species by field marks is often only possible with the aid of good optical equipment.
Slow Down and Be Quiet
Remembering to move slowly and stop often will result in seeing more wildlife than dashing around to as many places as possible. Sit quietly in likely wildlife habitat and the animals who rushed to hide at the approaching noise may come back out to eat or drink.
It is human nature to fill empty time with talk but when trying to see wildlife, chatting may be counterproductive. Many species have acute hearing. The rustle of footsteps may be enough to send them into hiding. Silence will lure wildlife back into view more quickly.
Practice Looking and Listening for Animals
Develop the habit of really looking and listening for wildlife. Most people, especially those constantly exposed to the noise and activity of towns and cities, have unconsciously learned to block out sights and sounds to reduce their level of sensory input.
Wildlife viewing requires those looking and listening skills be relearned. Being aware of movement and keeping an ear out for calls of various species increase the chances of seeing wild animals.
Watching wildlife can be an enjoyable, inexpensive pastime. That enjoyment is enhanced as viewing and listening skills improve. Take the time to learn about wild animals, then take the time quietly waiting for them to appear.
 |
 |
 |
