Sonoran Desert Nature-Watching Tips
by JoAnne Zeterberg on January 1, 2007 in Things To Do |
Happy New Year!
January in the Sonoran Desert brings sunny warm days that are perfect for taking a desert hike (a nice way to start in on that New Year’s resolution to get more exercise!). And, one of your rewards for hitting the trail is the opportunity to see desert wildlife in its own element. But, too often, we set off at a brisk pace, glancing optimistically here and there for animals – and end up wondering why we didn’t see very many despite the miles we trekked. Before you wear out the soles on your hiking boots searching for elusive desert critters, check out these nature-watching tips:
- Sloooowwww down! Better yet, stop. Find a spot to hide, such as under a tree or between some boulders. Sit down, get comfy and put your patience in gear. Once you quiet down, you’ll be amazed at the wildlife that will wander by.
- Dress in neutral-colored clothing that blends with the desert’s natural colors.
- Head out early in the morning – a time when most desert creatures are active.
- Avoid wearing perfume, after shave or other scented products; and, if you’re forgoing sunscreen because of the fragrance, be sure to protect yourself with long sleeves, pants and a hat.
- Stay downwind of the area that you are viewing.
- Bring binoculars and use them to scan the surrounding area very slowly for signs of animals.
- Train yourself to look up for signs of browsing (scrapes on saplings, nibbles on twigs) and down for tracks, burrows, piles of feathers, etc.
- If you’re looking for butterflies, head out later in the day – most arthropods won’t become active until the sun warms things up to about 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18C). Concentrate your search around blooming plants, such as desert broom, seep willow and desert hackberry.
- Watch all desert wildlife from a safe distance. Most desert creatures are passive toward humans (preferring simply to avoid us), but they will not hesitate to defend themselves and their young if they feel threatened.
- Finally, remember to observe but don’t participate. Resist the temptation to use food to bait animals closer for a better photo as it is harmful to them in the long run. Approaching nests or burrows too closely can cause the adult to flee, leaving the young defenseless against predators. And, when you are looking for a place to stop and watch, avoid sitting too close to water holes or other solitary water sources – your presence may keep animals away from a life-sustaining resource.
See you next month. Until then, happy hiking!
