With Autumn fast approaching in Northwest Indiana, you have the opportunity to observe local wildlife as they prepare for Winter. Birds will be migrating south along the lakefront, mammals scurrying about along the edges of fields and making their way through woodlots and along the edges of wetlands. In order to be able to reflect on what you have seen and possibly even come up with new ways of looking at the habitats that you visit from time to time, it is helpful to record your observations in a wildlife log.
Selecting Your Logging Method
Whether to choose a wildlife log book or a wildlife log app for your nature observations depends on your needs. Your wildlife log needs to be small enough to carry outside on cold days or in the dark of winter and still be possible to reference later in the season. A notebook or log book is perfect for jotting down observations of local wildlife while outside in the field, but organizing and referencing later can be a nightmare. Conversely, apps and spreadsheets are perfect for organizing and referencing later but aren't as easy to carry around outside. Why not use a combination of both a wildlife log book and a wildlife log app? The rough notes of a wildlife log book can be transferred to a wildlife log app or spreadsheet later for more detailed organization and reference.
Include date, time of day, location, the species you have seen (and if you are unsure what it is, make your best guess), the number of individual animals, and their behavior(s). Also record weather and the relevant habitat for the species you have observed. Instead of writing "many birds" record "a dozen ducks in shallow water near reeds".
Capturing Context Along with Species
Just listing species is not enough. Recording the flight, behavior, song, numbers and environment where the species were observed is key. For example, for birds, write down their flight, their behavior, their songs, the number of animals, and the environment where they were spotted (open water, reeds, brushy edge, etc.). For mammals, write down signs of their presence such as their tracks, how they might be feeding, and how close to cover they were.
Use consistent terms when describing habitats, for example, cattail edge, mowed trail, oak woodland, etc. These are best shared online in a wildlife log in a somewhat vague manner as to not reveal exact locations for species such as those that nest or are otherwise sensitive in certain wildlife areas.
This photograph of a white-headed cuckoo, even though the animal is not clearly visible, contains a lot of information about the habitat where this species was encountered. Leave space in your entries to ask yourself questions later such as: Was the animal displaying any form of foraging behavior? Did it return after having been disturbed? Is the habitat changing in any way? These types of questions will aid in future identifications of wildlife encounters.
Establishing an Autumn Observation Routine
Short routes which you can visit on different days and in different weather are far better than long routes which you only visit from time to time. You should choose a few local sites which contain a good variety of habitats such as wetland, woodland and field edges. Return to your local sites on different days and in different weather to see how the animals and plants are using their surroundings on different occasions.
Try to note the varying influencing factors (weather, temperature, wind and rain) and human influences (e.g. new constructions, hunting time) as well. You might realize that on a particular day animals are absent because of changes in their environment instead of them having left the area.
When out birdwatching for example in areas like the Indiana Dunes it is advisable to stick to marked trails. There are several different properties that are used for wildlife observation and each will have its own set of rules. It is always a good idea to check with the land managers before heading out on a wildlife observation excursion. Look for updates on restricted areas, new collecting regulations and for items that may affect your observations such as hunting seasons. Dressing in visible clothing when near hunting grounds is also advisable and make sure you are familiar with local rules and regulations regarding items such as closed areas and observation versus hunting.
Practical Gear for Wildlife Observation
Almost everything a wildlife observer needs to observe will fit into a back pocket. The notebook and pencil, the pair of binoculars of suitable power, the suitable clothing for the weather, and a small flashlight for late return to home will fill a small daypack. In addition to time-keeping, camera shots, route-finding and species-identification, the fully-charged phone will serve as a paper for notes of later observations.
Choose light weight but good quality binoculars. Large heavy optics can be too cumbersome to carry on your wildlife observations and serve no use sitting at home. A fold up seat can be very useful for long sit downs, and a small waterproof cover for your notebook and electronic devices a must in bad weather. Very neutral colored clothing is best for wildlife observation rather than using camouflage clothing.
WILDLIFE OBSERVATION – RESPECT THE SPECIES! Maintain adequate distance in order to take good pictures of wildlife. Never approach wildlife too closely in order to observe their natural behavior. Also do not disturb wildlife or set up your observation in such a way as to block off their exit routes. Don't ever handle wildlife and never set up wildlife observation in order to bait wildlife for observation. The best observation data is collected by people who do not tamper with wildlife or their habitats in any way.
Enhancing Stewardship with Your Notes
After several weeks, it is worthwhile to return to your wildlife logs to find out whether certain locations have been used again and again, or whether changes in the water conditions of a lake or pond have led to an increase in aquatic animals. Invasive species and their impact on the native wildlife can also be logged, as well as any evidence of human influence on wildlife habitats, for example in the form of litter.
Please note that any impactful patterns or observations that you notice throughout the season may be best shared with relevant local land managers or conservation groups (please make sure that any information shared does not put wildlife or sensitive habitats at risk of being harassed by over visitation to locations listed).
Note for future reference that wildlife observations will aid your hunting while you remain true to form as an observational steward of wildlife and their respective habitats. Your logs for wildlife observation will compare to strategy notes for hunting. Details for weather, wildlife movement, and access points to areas to hunt would best be logged in a separate note. Then later reference that information as needed while remaining within established laws for the region and areas that you hunt.
Remember, your records from this autumn season will make for a nice read by next spring when you head back out into the woods. Your logs will consist of a few pages of notes detailing your various excursions and encounters with wildlife in the area. Each note will include date and time of observation as well as details of the habitat where you saw the various species of wildlife that you observed.
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