Since wild animals generally flee when people
approach a viewing area, here are a few ways you can encourage them
to move in closer. If an on-site blind is available, climb in and
wait for wildlife to settle back down - with time, they'll resume
their normal activities around you. Your car and surrounding trees
and vegetation can also function as a blind. Or you can sit quietly
next to a tree trunk and wait patiently. When possible, move about
on your own, rather than with a group. Refrain from moving in so
close that you inadvertently disrupt feeding, resting and nesting
routines. Always maintain a safe distance from dangerous
wildlife.
To attract birds, try making a repetitive "psssh"
sound, which imitates scolding birds and squirrels. A variety of
small birds will usually move in close to investigate the source of
the disturbance. Since prolonged calling can distract a bird from
feeding or caring for its young, use this method for short periods
only.
Florida has thousands of lakes and miles of rivers
and coastal shorelines to explore. A canoe or kayak is a perfect
way to view wildlife in these watery habitats, since animals are
more afraid of a human on foot than they are of a boat. Quiet
travelers may see alligators sunning themselves on banks or other
species such as wading birds, ducks, otters, manatees or dolphins.
You' ll startle fewer animals if you crouch low in the boat and
drift with the current. Bring your own boat or rent one at the many
concessions located throughout the state.
You can identify many animals just by listening to
their distinctive voices. Owls are active at night and are stealthy
fliers. You' re much more likely to hear their hooting calls than
to catch a glimpse of them. The same is true for many other bird
species, and for frogs and insects as well. You can learn the calls
of birds and Florida frogs from tapes and CDs available in some
bookstores and libraries.
For other elusive animals, it can be fun to be an
amateur sleuth and learn how to interpret the clues the animals
leave behind. Around wetlands and rivers, you may notice a tree
limb that has been chewed to a point by a beaver or an embankment
with a well-worn trail leading down to the water - evidence that
otters frequent the area. In sand or mud, look for tracks or crawl
marks. Check for tufts of hair snagged on branches or briars. Even
the shape and content of droppings can help identify an animal. Use
all of your senses and you' ll have a pretty good idea of which
animals inhabit a particular area, what they eat and their movement
patterns.
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