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Visit
the Photo Gallery
<<
viewing sites |
ethical
guidelines >> |
- Check the
season. Many sites offer wildlife viewing opportunities only
at certain times of the year. Before heading to a site, make
sure it's the right season. The viewing areas described in this
site offer opportunities all year round - particularly for viewing
birds - but knowing the animals' seasonal habits prepares you
for what you'll find. For example, you won't see swans in the
summer or bears in the winter.
- Choose
viewing times carefully. Best times of day to observe wildlife,
other than fish, are usually early morning and early evening.
Try exploring a range of time periods.
- Use cover
or screens to hide from view. Hiding behind natural or artificial
blinds (even your vehicle) will help you see more wildlife.
- Keep silent.
Noise frightens wildlife away. Sit quietly for an extended period
in one place to observe what happens around you. Be
patient. Successful wildlife viewing often requires longer waits
and searches than you might expect.
- Learn signs,
read clues. Learning to recognize signs of animal life will
help you see more and understand more. Some obvious clues are
nests, dens, holes, sleeping areas and droppings.
- Use field
guides. Field guides will help you identify and locate species
and their habitats.
- Use binoculars
or a spotting scope. Scanning wide areas with binoculars is
often essential. Without the magnified view these glasses give,
wildlife viewing is severely limited.
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North
Island Wildlife Viewing Network
