Wildlife Observation & Maps

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“In order to have fantastic experiences we need to go to fantastic places”

Donnie Vincent

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Most people I have met that practise bushcraft revel at the opportunity to observe wildlife. It’s an important part of bushcraft for many.

In Ireland and Britain, the common raven, Corvus corax, is our largest species of crow. Capable of a wide range of vocalisations and behaviour, ravens have earned the reputation of being one of the most intelligent of the many bird species on planet earth.

Not surprisingly - there is a massive body of lore associated with the charismatic raven.

Omens of death, symbols of good luck, messengers from the after-life, treachery – you name it – ravens have had just about every anthropomorphic title bestowed upon them.

(If you have never observed ravens, I encourage you to do so. They are very canny, often acrobatically playful birds that can provide great enjoyment when observed).

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HOW CAN MAPS IMPROVE MY CHANCES OF SEEING RAVENS

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Let’s imagine you have planned a hike into the mountains and you want to give yourself the best chance of observing raven behaviour.

You do some research and find out that ravens favour high, steep mountain cliffs for roosting and nesting.

You scan your map for high, steep cliffs and just as importantly a safe, vantage point that enables you to get close as possible to the object of your curiosity without jeopardising your own safety.

This is where maps come into their own for wildlife observation – they can facilitate the possibility of interesting wildlife encounters. Deducting where wildlife can occur from studying a map is another way of interpreting maps (besides for navigation purposes).

It can be remarkably productive.

I often use maps to increase my chance of interesting wildlife encounters.

Whether it blending into a wooded verge overlooking a large, Canadian meadow at dusk and watching some white-tail deer trickle into the meadow to forage.

Or positioning myself, downwind, near an opening in a broad-leaf woodland in Ireland on the lookout for sika deer.

These favourable vantage points are, more often than not, found on my maps before I even put my feet on the trail.

A little strategic thinking, via maps, can sometimes go a long way in successful wildlife observation.

Top Tip: Wind direction.

When planning to observe wildlife, try to position yourself downwind or at least cross-wind.

Wild animals, especially mammals, have a highly sensitive sense of smell, and often detect humans and predators via their scent on the wind.

By positioning yourself downwind you will significantly reduce or eliminate your scent signature.