Discover How to Observe Animals in the Wild

Ecologists, zoologists, and other animal scientists frequently enter the wilderness to study their main subject; animals. They patiently sit there and wait for animals to pass by so they can examine how they behave in their natural habitat, and they’ve been doing this for years.

However, observing animals in the wild doesn’t have to be so scientific. Every animal lover can do it. In fact, animal observation has become a popular camping activity, you actually don’t have to be an animal expert. But you should keep in mind the following:

1. Find a good spot.

A good spot is somewhere that not too many humans enter, but, for safety’s sake, isn’t too far away from your hiking or camping area. So how do you know you’re in a good spot? Head for the main trail and if you see more animal footprints than human tracks, then that’s probably good spot. It’s also a good practice to veer off from the main trail, but not stray too far away from it or you might find yourself wandering around, lost in the middle of nowhere. If you have chosen a specific animal to observe, however, conduct some research first to find out which areas it frequents.

2. Build a good blind.

A blind is anything you can use to hide yourself from the animals so you don’t disturb and scare them. It can range from a pile of undergrowth to something as complicated as a store-bought blind that you can assemble and camouflage with branches, twigs, leaves, and stones. If you’re not into hard-core scientific observation and are just into this for pleasure, you can simply tie a piece of sturdy rope across two neighboring trees and lean long branches against the rope.

3. Blend in and be patient.

Try waiting for a couple of days before you go back to your blind. This will allow the animals to get accustomed to it and not get too suspicious about the newly put up structure.

When you decide to return to your blind, be sure that you are not intrusive and that you completely blend in. Wear clothes the same color of nature and do not wear any cologne or perfume. Animals have a very sensitive sense of smell and they can sniff the presence of any intruder right away. It’s also important that you patiently and quietly sit inside your blind while you wait for an animal to come ambling by.

4. Document your observations.

If you are planning to do this again in the future, it’s a good practice to keep a record of what you have observed. Animals follow a fairly rigid schedule so it will be easier for you to catch one passing you by the next time you decide to observe animals in the wild again. Bring a notebook with you and take down notes of the times you saw animals of interest, how many were there and which direction they were heading.

You could also set up a motion-sensing camera that could record the movement of the animals when they pass by. I would personally go for the notebook though – there’s nothing like a high-tech gadget to take away the natural feel of it all!

Belle is a senior contributor to camping review and gear site NDParks.com and Green Living Site The Action Blog. Check out her latest article on outdoor survival kits.

Carnation Coral

Carnation Coral
Dendronephthya sp.
"If you like carnations, and you like aquariums, I can offer you the best of both worlds!"
9/26/2010

The Carnation Coral loves a pristine home and is very beautiful, however it has

specialized needs, making it difficult to keep in a home aquarium!

The Carnation Coral Dendronephthya sp. originates in the tropical reefs and is quite an exotic looking soft coral. It has more color combinations (including it’s stalks) than almost any other soft coral, including greens, purples, whites, oranges, bright reds, pinks, and yellows. They can also change colors – which makes them even more spectacular! Common names for this coral are: the Carnation Coral, Colored Cauliflower Coral, Ledge Coral, Carnation Tree Coral, and the Tree Coral. The Strawberry Coral is an extremely brilliant pink or red specimen!… Read More

African Cats – by Disneynature

On Earth Day, this Friday, April 22nd, 2011, the film “African Cats” by Disneynature is hitting theaters!

This is a great and fun way to help “Save the Savanna” in Africa!

The “See ‘African Cats,’ Save the Savanna” initiative is Disneynature’s pledge to donate a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales during opening week (April 22-28) to the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. This is to help ensure the future of lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, giraffes and a host of other animals in the vibrant African savanna. The AWF will be working to protect the Amboseli Wildlife Corridor, a passage between the Amboseli, Tsavo West and Chyulu Hills National Parks that is frequently used by a variety of wildlife.

Moviegoers have already bought $1.7 million in tickets to see the movie during its opening week (April 22-28) and save the African Savanna in the process.

The storyline features large cat species native to Africa, including lions and cheetahs. It follows the lion cub Mara who desires to grow up and be strong like her mother, the cheetah mother Sita as she raises her five babies, and Fang – the leader of the pride who must defend his family from rivals.

“See ‘African Cats,’ Save the Savanna” continues Disneynature’s conservation efforts, which began with its first release, “Earth” (2009), for which three million trees were planted in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. The program in support of “Oceans” (2010) helped establish 40,000 acres of marine protected areas in The Bahamas, which contain miles of vital coral reef.

The African Cats Video can be seen here at this Disney Site.

Hope you enjoy!

Ferrets

Ferrets
Mustela furo

"With tons of care and attention, I can be just as good a pet as a dog or cat!"

Ferrets are very personable, loving, and active! They make wonderful companions!

Ferrets can make a wonderful addition to a family – helping to create many memories and becoming part of the family by playing games, exploring the house, and just being curious and playful in everything they do. Ferret comes from the latin word “furritus”, which means “little thief”… Read More

Green Metallic Mushroom

Green Metallic Mushroom
"This mushroom has is a very pretty color pallet, especially with a metallic touch, and it can look ‘fuzzy’ too!"

1/07/2010

The common names Brown Mushroom or Fuzzy Mushroom may draw a mental picture of a

drab mushroom,but this guy has a few color surprises!

The Actinodiscus malaccensis species is also known as the Metallic Mushroom or Green Metallic Mushroom, and can be a very attractive mushroom indeed. These mushroom corals come in brown, green, gray or beige-brown and they have little short tentacles that can be a combination of these colors. The name Fuzzy Mushroom denotes a much more pronounced texture than other mushrooms in this genus, and they will grab larger particulate matter from the water column… Read More

Malaysian Forest Scorpion

Malaysian Forest Scorpion
Heterometrus spinifer
"Although I am an impressive looking scorpion, I do not settle down in captivity!"

The Malaysian Forest Scorpion is a strikingly beautiful and tough scorpion!

It is often mistaken for an Emperor Scorpion, however is is a much more aggressive scorpion!

The pros of keeping the Malaysian Forest Scorpion include it’s majestical stance, how easy it is to care for, and it’s quiet misdemeanor. The biggest con is that you cannot handle it – they are extremely defensive scorpions and will attack and sting when they believe they are in danger. Read More

Finger Leather Coral

Finger Leather Coral
Alcyonium sp.
"What has fingers, feels like leather, looks like a chili pepper, is called a colt… and lives in all the worlds oceans? ME!"
10/2/2010

Very fast growing and easy to take care of, the familiar Finger Leather Coral is a

very popular soft coral!

The Alcyonium sp. (Finger Leather Coral) typically is found in temperate, warm, and subtropical waters around the world. They are extremely easy to take care of, which makes them a favorite and popular coral for beginners. In a reef aquarium they adapt to cool water, warm water, bright lights, low lights, just about any environment they are introduced to… Read More

Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Cacatua galerita
"If you give me lots of love, I guarantee I will love you back!"

Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are great talkers, love to learn tricks, and require

tons of attention, but they make awesome and loving companions!

The Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoo comes originally from Australia and was first brought to other areas by Captain Cook – the famous explorer – in 1790. They are very well-known birds and can live very long lives if taken care of properly. One bird has been documented to have lived to 120 years old! Read More