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Bill Oddie Goes Wild
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This term covers a wide range of habitats, including natural lakes, rivers and streams, and man-made reservoirs and gravel-pits. All can be good for wildlife, which may not necessarily prefer the prettiest scenery! Most freshwater habitats are good for wildlife all day long, so an early start is not required; though dusk can be good for roosting gulls and other birds.
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a telescope can be useful: especially for scanning distant flocks of birds on reservoirs and lakes |
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wrap up warm: wetland areas tend to be very cold in winter! |
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otters are returning to many rivers and streams; but are usually easier to see on coasts; best looked for at dawn or dusk; but beware confusion with the feral North American mink |
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on smaller rivers and streams, listen out for the high-pitched call of the kingfisher - usually heard just before it flashes by! |
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reedbeds are always worth watching for a while: the 'wait-and-see' technique may reveal water voles, reed and sedge warblers, and water rails |
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pond dipping is not just for children: a net and a tank can reveal amazing underwater life including dragonfly larvae and various aquatic invertebrates |
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fine, sunny days in late spring and summer are ideal for watching dragonflies along the margins of wetland areas; close-focus binoculars will help! |
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