For many of us the most enjoyable part of walking is seeing the various plants and animals along the way. In this article the author suggests how to maximise your wildlife spotting chances
If we stop to think for a moment about the many types wildlife that surround us all we will quickly realise how diverse and interesting spotting wildlife can be e.g. Birds, Wild Plants and Flowers, Mammals, Funghi, Butterflies, Moths and insects are all around us and to maximise our chances to experience them we need to consider some simple principles.
Firstly time of year is important. Many birds migrate and so a bird that can be very common in Summer e.g. a Swallow will not be seen at all during the winter months. Other creatures e.g. butterflies spend a relatively short period of their lifecycles as butterflies and will only be seen over a relatively narrow period of a few weeks over summer. The same can be said for some plants and so for example your chances of seeing a bluebell flower in September are pretty remote.
Generally a good time of year for spotting is Spring. Bushes and trees have few leaves and so seeing things is easier; in addition in order to attract mates birds in particular are more showy and noisier. In late spring, creatures have young to feed and so are very active gathering food. Autumn, on the other hand, is a harder time because leaves and vegetation is thick, young are feeding themselves and there is plenty of natural food around e.g. berries to be had.
Other things to consider when planning a walk are the weather, animals and birds dislike the wind and rain as much as we do, and also the habitat you are planning to walk in will effect what you are likely to see. If you are targeting something in particular research it’s favourite habitat.
Before setting out on your walk consider what equipment other than your normal walking gear you’ll need. Obvious things are binoculars, a telescope, a field lenses for close examination of flowers and plants and probably a field guide to help you identify what you spot.
Whilst actually walking the most important advice is to shut up, stop, look and listen. I am always amazed by how many walkers you see talking at the tops of their voices whilst in the country side and in doing so ruining their chances, and that of others, of seeing or hearing something. Look up, look down, be silent and most of all listen. A particular call or song is often the first clue of what is in the area.
It’s easiest for humans to spot wildlife when they are making a noise or covered in a colourful coat, not surprisingly it’s easiest for wildlife to spot humans when they are doing the same. Try and wear drab clothing that blends into the surrounding countryside.
Finally dog walking and wildlife spotting do not make good bed fellows, dogs are naturally inquisitive and can be very disruptive to wildlife, something that we should all work hard to avoid, particularly when young are around.
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Bruno Blackstone is a freelance writer interested in all things to do with the outdoors and helping others get the most from the outdoors. Starting with a psychology degree his early career was as a social worker and family therapist working with families to help them achieve more positive and stable relationships. In his more recent career he has coached many senior executives in both small and large organisations in areas such as strategy, human resources, organisational design and performance improvement. He now continues his work in the business world but he is also co-owner of myoutdoorstore.co.uk a price comparison site for outdoor enthusiasts.