Wildlife viewing can be as easy as placing a bird feeder near a picture window or as involved as a week long hiking or canoeing trip to remote areas. Beginners should start with short trips near home to become acquainted with the natural rhythms and wildlife signs.
Wildlife viewing is an exciting activity, and much of this excitement stems from the fact that you can never be sure what you might see. Some days will be better than others, but there are several things you can do to greatly increase your chances of success. Follow these tips, excerpted from the Michigan Wildlife Viewing Guide (a directory of wildlife viewing sites) to help you get started.
Easy Does It
The best way to see more wildlife is to slow down and walk slowly and quietly. Stop often to look and listen.
Blend In
Bright colors and patterns can be very fashionable, but these colors are also easily seen by wildlife. It is best to wear earth tones or muted colors that blend in with the surroundings.
Timing is Everything
Different wildlife are active at different times of the day, so it helps to know a little about the animals you wish to see. For instance, soaring red-tailed hawks might best be viewed during the heat of a summer afternoon, while nocturnal flying squirrels can only be seen by the light of the moon. In general, more kinds of wildlife are active in the early morning and late evening than any other time of day.
Choose the Season
Wildlife activity also varies with season. Some animals will not be found during the cold Michigan winter. Many kinds of birds and a few kinds of insects migrate south; many small mammals hibernate; and reptiles and amphibians burrow underground and become dormant. On the other hand, winter is often a good time to view white-tailed deer because their brown coats stand out against the snowy ground. Waterfowl are best seen in concentrations on their migrations in early spring or early fall. Spring is also an excellent time to catch large numbers of colorful warblers moving through Michigan.
Use Equipment to Help
There is a tremendous variety of equipment and accessories available to help you get the most out of your wildlife viewing excursions. Binoculars, field identification guides, road maps and a backpack with snacks and liquids can all add to a day's enjoyment afield. All of these are optional--you don't have to own any fancy equipment to see wildlife--however, these things can greatly enhance your viewing experiences.
All in Good Time
Patience is a virtue for wildlife watchers. If you jump out of your car at a site expecting to see all of the listed wildlife right away, you probably will be disappointed. Animal movements and behavior patterns are very unpredictable, which can be a source of frustration--or fascination. The key is to learn where and when to go, how to look, and then just keep trying!
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Wildlife viewing can be as easy as placing a bird feeder near a picture window or as involved as a week long hiking or canoeing trip to remote areas. Beginners should start with short trips near home to become acquainted with the natural rhythms and wildlife signs.
