Being more observant in nature. Nature has an unending surplus of information and knowledge for us to acquire. The only barrier is in our willingness to learn from her. Have you ever listened to the natural world? By listening, I mean taking in all the sounds around you without filtering any out.
Taking the time to listen and observe is a powerful tool to understand the natural world. By removing biases, you can begin to observe new phenomena, even from critters you might have seen every day. As humans, we are generally a very noisy species. Because of this, other critters tend to shy away. To experience the true behavior of critters, one simple thing is required, time. All it takes is fifteen to twenty minutes of being still and quiet before critters begin to treat you as part of the surroundings. Opening all your senses allows you to more fully embrace Nature. Taking the time to be observant in nature makes each outing like a scavenger hunt! Looking for the tracks and signs of wildlife is like peeking into the secret lives of these critters. To more fully understand the wildlife who leave behind their tracks and signs, we, at SLCS, have trail cameras set up to monitor for passing wildlife. Trail cameras allow us to expand our senses and time for observation.
Setting up trail cameras is both an art and a science! There is one of two ways to start. One, you can read the landscape for specific features, such as vernal pools, where wildlife might be draw to. Two, you can look for wildlife tracks or signs. The art of placing trail cameras comes into play next. You have to think about where animals might be approaching from; the size of the wildlife you are hoping to capture (moose sized versus squirrel sized) determines the level and angle of the camera and the distance away from the site; and the amount and arrangement of vegetation that is light enough to blow in the wind. Even with remote trail cameras, the human impact can still be seen. Wildlife regularly investigate and, occasionally, are startled by the camera. Even the type of trail camera can make a difference for wildlife.
Cameras that use a flash are very startling for critters. These cameras can make wildlife avoid an area because of the negative experience(s). Cameras with infrared capabilities are much less disruptive to passing wildlife. The infrared light is difficult to impossible for them to see, and there is no sudden burst of light to startle them.
These skills and resources are tools to help make decisions regarding conservation potential or, on a finer scale, where to direct a trail, place a bench, or establish infrastructure. Nature is always changing and giving us new opportunities to learn, enjoy it, and see it in new ways.
Ben is a half-term member serving with the Squam Lakes Conservation Society. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, you may find him out rowing early before going into the office, or pointing out the numerous bird species you can find on the SLA and SLCS campus. You can learn more about Ben here!