Wildlife field guide
How to spot more wildlife: timing, technique, weather, and signs
Best times
•Dawn (5-8am): Peak activity for many mammals (deer, foxes, badgers)
•Dusk (17-21pm): Second peak as animals become active
•Night (21pm-5am): Best for nocturnal species (badgers, foxes, owls)
•Arrive early: Get in position 15-20 minutes before peak times
Technique
•Stay still: Movement scares wildlife — find a spot and wait patiently
•Use cover: Hide behind trees, hedgerows, or natural features
•Wind direction: Keep downwind so animals don't smell you
•Move slowly: When you do move, do it very slowly and quietly
Weather tips
•Calm conditions: Low wind and good visibility are ideal
•Rain: Suppresses activity — wait for dry spells
•Cold: Bring warm clothing and hand warmers to stay still longer
•Overcast: Bring a torch for darker trails, especially at dawn/dusk
Signs to look for
•Footprints and tracks (size, direction, freshness)
•Droppings and scat (fresh = recent activity)
•Disturbed vegetation (paths, flattened areas)
•Hair or feathers caught on branches
•Dens, burrows, or nesting sites (keep distance)
•Feeding signs (gnawed bark, leftover prey)
