Photo: Charlie Chaffee.

Nature at Home: Wildlife Watching

May 18, 2020 by Deschutes Land Trust
As spring turns into summer, wildlife have been active out and about at Land Trust Preserves! Check out some busy beavers and then learn some tips for watching wildlife from volunteer naturalist Gus Gustafson!

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As spring turns into summer, wildlife are becoming more active at Land Trust Preserves and throughout the region. If you'd like to watch some wildlife from home, check out the busy beavers at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve who were filmed swimming in Whychus Creek in this video. Then, join Land Trust volunteer naturalist Gus Gustafson below to learn some tips on watching wildlife and how to increase your chances of seeing all of Central Oregon's cool cats and critters.

When watching wildlife, it's always a good idea to keep the following responsible wildlife watching tips in mind:

  • Keep your distance. Please help wildlife thrive by giving animals the distance they need to feel safe. Binoculars or spotting scopes can help you watch wildlife and not disturb their activities. Never approach wildlife closely, no matter how calm they seem. Wildlife are wild and unpredictable.

  • Avoid nests and young animals. Wildlife will often let you know if you get too close to their nests or young. Pay attention to bird calls or other behaviors that might indicate it's time to move away. And, of course, never pick up babies or young animals. Parents will often leave their young in a safe place (especially in the springtime) and return to them periodically. The best thing you can do for what may look like an abandoned baby animal is to leave it be. These young are very often under the watchful eye of their parents.

  • Keep your dogs on leash. Better yet, leave them home. Dogs and wildlife don't mix well. If you want a chance to see wildlife in the wild, leave Fido at home. Even the nicest dog has predatory instincts and can love chasing wildlife. This harms wildlife and makes it harder for them to survive. Learn more about why it's important to keep your dog on leash.

     

 

We are always so excited to know the lands we protect are home to so many! Be sure to follow us on social media and join our newsletter for the latest updates on the natural world from the the comfort of your home.


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