Where: All of Sweden
When: All seasons
What: Tracking wildlife
When out in the forest, it's always a great experience to encounter wildlife. You have to be lucky, but there's more to it than luck alone...
TIPS TO BOOST YOUR WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
Head out into nature during sunrise and sunset. Many animals are more active during these times, increasing your chances of spotting them. Try to minimize noise and avoid bright colors or strong scents. Blend into your surroundings as much as possible; the less you stand out, the less likely you are to startle wildlife.
SHARPEN YOUR SENSES
Creatures in the forest are masters of camouflage. I've often found myself walking through the woods only to realize a deer was standing right beside me in the bushes the whole time, unnoticed. So, keep your eyes peeled, look up into the trees, and down to the ground. There's a wealth of wildlife to observe, from birds to snakes to tiny mice. If you're not paying attention, you might miss them entirely.
Being observant leads to discovering other signs of wildlife too, like tracks in the sand or snow, droppings, worn paths, leftover food, nests, ant hills, fur, feathers, pellets, burrows, gnawed plants, or trees... This is where it gets interesting. These signs can reveal which animals inhabit the area, helping you understand their behavior better and adjust yours accordingly to increase your chances of spotting them.
LEARN TO IDENTIFY SIGNS
And it's not just visible traces; sounds and scents can also help you spot wildlife. The call of an animal, birdsong, the rhythmic tapping of a woodpecker, rustling in the leaves by a blackbird, the howl of a wolf, the gnawing of a squirrel. Engage all your senses, and you'll start noticing more. And perhaps, like me, you'll become increasingly curious to learn more.
I use various resources for this, including books. I have guides on plants, mushrooms, and animals in Europe to aid in identification. I also have books on tracks and how to distinguish them, and I use apps to identify birds and their calls. If I've put my mind on photographing a specific animal, understanding its behavior is key, so I search for additional information on platforms like YouTube. A better understanding of the animals behavior allows me to know, for instance, that the chance of spotting a snake in April is much higher than in December due to hibernation. Therefore, considering the season is also valuable.
WELCOME TO THE ANIMAL KINGDOM
Once you start noticing and recognizing signs, your forest walks will never be the same. Spot a pile of easter egg-like droppings? That's a telltale sign of a moose passing through. See a nibbled pinecone? Look up; you might be under the watchful eye of a squirrel. Find hoof prints in the snow? Scan the forest to spot deer. Maybe you'll come across disturbed ground, evidence of wild boars. Hear a woodpecker's rhythmic tapping? Look up and try to locate it, then place your hand on the tree to feel its vibrations—how cool is that?
I hope I've sparked some inspiration. Remember, you're a guest in the forest; respect nature and try not to disturb the animals, especially during breeding seasons. Enjoy your adventures, and happy trails!
HELPFUL LINKS:
My favourite book about tracking wildlife:
Bird identification app Merlin:
Go spotting wildlife with a professional:
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