Many nature lovers ache for more close encounters with wildlife. If wilderness adventures aren’t a possibility for you right now, perhaps answering the call of the wild lies in managing your expectations.
Wild fly visiting a wild daisy
Maybe you’re unknowingly already surrounded by wildlife. This wildlife may not be getting picked up by your radar because as much as you may want to see it… it doesn’t want to risk any encounter with you. Back in 2006, scientists estimated that up to 2,000 coyotes were thriving in the city of Chicago. Raccoons and squirrels also thrive in urban areas. These often become pests if they are intentionally or inadvertently fed by humans.
Unseen local wildlife may also be nocturnal (like the Eastern American toad shown at top or the raccoon below). The best times to see activity are at dawn and dusk when animals are waking up or going home to sleep.
Tired raccoon still looking for grubs at the edge of the lawn at sunrise
You may also be underestimating the wild nature of creatures in your own backyard. Just as fashion magazines have narrowed our vision of beauty over the years, so too have nature programs in exotic locales narrowed our idea of what’s wild. Even small or unsightly creatures deserve a closer look. Just be sure to keep a safe distance! Some creatures might seem tame but wild is wild.
Once you begin to observe wildlife in your own backyard, you may notice qualities you didn’t before. For example, the red squirrel with the sleek fur at bottom left is younger than the one with the nipped ear at right. You can also see a black stripe between its white underside and brown back which will fade in winter. Good luck in seeing more wildlife!
Young and old red squirrels foraging for food just before sunrise
If you’d like to learn more about how to see more wildlife, see Sea Urchins in the Woods: How to See More Wildlife.
Text and photographs copyright Amy-Lynn Bell 2012
I do so enjoy your blog. Being observant about things around us is a great exercise for the mind.
Thanks Garden Gate. Not only is it a great exercise for the mind, we don’t have to go far to do it
I will have to pay more attention. Thanks for letting us know what to be on the lookout for.
Sunny, once you open your eyes to some of these things, you begin to notice all sorts of little things that are in that field of view as well.
Ah, yes! I pouted at not being able to get out and about more, and then I saw my nature adventures close to home.
Alice, I tbelieve life reserves the best for last.. as long as we open ourselves to what’s offered at each stage of life instead of bemoaning what we *can’t* do anymore. The less mobile we become, the more we’re likely to FINALLY take notice of what’s near and dear.
Great post! I have been able to take pictures of some amazing creatures in my own yard; I don’t have to leave home to find wild flora and fauna. The desert fascinates me – good thing that since I live here!
Ruth, the desert would fascinate me to no end. You’re lucky to live in such an environment and have so much to see right at your doorstep.
I’ve got to introduce you to my garden frogs …
Sybil, I have met them, but we’ve yet to have dinner together
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What lovely ideas, thank you for pointing out the already existing wildlife in our backyard, Amy!
Thanks Reggie, I’m sure you could still find something new outside your back door, even after living there for a while. Nature’s never stagnant. Just when you think you’re acquainted with the wild things, something new stops by for a visit or decides to move in.
Sybil has frogs? Bring ‘em on! Oh yes. I love froggies.
Eva, yes Sybil has frogs that she feeds by hand in a little pond she created in her yard. I’m sure you’d love them too.