Have you ever been halfway down a trail before even noticing the landscape? Sometimes it takes a while to become more present when we’re outdoors. Being more in the moment could be one of the reasons you seek outdoor experiences, or perhaps you’re interested in seeing wildlife. Animals, including birds and insects, leave many signs of their presence if we know how to look. Check out our tips below to learn how to see more wildlife.
What You Might See Instead of the Animal Itself
Wildlife sign, as naturalists describe it, can take many forms. Tracks, scat (feces), rubs, ruts, and leftover nests all tell us that wildlife abounds. An entire story may unfold in front of your eyes if you can see more wildlife sign.
Along the path may be the ground nests of yellow jackets torn open with larvae-filled bear scat nearby. Large, clawed paw tracks that lead to a young evergreen tree whose top is split open with hairs stuck in it is a clear indicator of bear rub and feeding.
Best Times for Animal Activity
Increase your odds and hit the trail when animals are most active. Dawn and dusk are when animals are more active and we humans have some daylight. Cooler weather (but not cold) also helps. In extreme temperatures, animals seek refuge just as we do.
You can see more wildlife at most any time of year. Pay attention to the seasonal round, or what part of nature’s cycle in which you are exploring outdoors. Think about what might be ripening that animals would feast on. Some bird species, such as red-tailed hawks, start migration as early as February as they seek better food supplies. In most states many large mammals move across the landscape late into the fall.
Where to Look
Edges of different habitats are perfect places to see more wildlife moving in and out of the area. Scan the horizon before you get there instead of just looking down at your feet on the trail. A favorite trick is to study the trail down low. Perhaps there are small birds or mammals at that level alerting you to larger wildlife hunting activity up ahead. Look for newly chewed bark in those carefully laid stick piles at the creek bank to indicate the ubiquitous beaver.
Signs of Us
The common guidelines of being downwind and not wearing strong scents definitely apply. Make sure to think about your own volume levels! How much noise does your clothing make? Keep that conversation with your buddy to a quiet hush. Try hiking in silence for long periods of time. You might be surprised what comes up.
Slow down! When you rush down the trail you will be crunching underbrush louder, and you could blow right by obvious indicators. These techniques give small birds and larger animals the quiet spaces they need to feel comfortable, which in turn will allow you to see more wildlife on your outdoor adventures.
Related articles: 5 Simple Tips for Photographing Wildlife, 3 Best Places for Birdwatching in the Southern US
Featured Image from Lilian Dibbern/Unsplash
