January 10, 2018 at 5:19 pm
By Wildlife Biologist Nate Webb
[caption id="attachment_2605" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Umaine/MDIFW Research Image[/caption]
Wildlife watching is a popular pastime in Maine, and contributes nearly $800 million to the state’s economy every year. Most wildlife-watching can be done close to home and doesn’t require any special equipment, other than perhaps a pair of binoculars (or a spotting scope if you’re a serious birder!). Our state is blessed with many species that are easily found and tend to be quite visible. But what about some of our more reclusive species? Have you ever seen a fisher, bobcat, or otter? What about a black bear, or a saw-whet owl? While it’s possible to view any of these species with enough time and effort, trail cameras can give us a glimpse into their lives that’s hard to duplicate with any other method.
Wildlife biologists have been using trail cameras as part of their work for many years, but they are also an amazing tool for anyone who is interested in learning more about Maine's wildlife and their behaviors. Modern trail cameras (many are available for $100 or less) record and store full-color images and video, can work for several months on a single set of batteries, and function perfectly in all weather conditions. When set on a wildlife trail, crossing, or near abundant natural foods (be sure to comply with laws related to the use of trail cameras on private land), it’s common to be rewarded with dozens of photos and video clips of a host of different species. Trail cameras are also a great way to help get kids excited about the outdoors, as they help decide where to set the camera and review the images afterwards.
[caption id="attachment_2609" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
UMaine/MDIFW Research Image[/caption]
Umaine/MDIFW Research Image[/caption]
Wildlife watching is a popular pastime in Maine, and contributes nearly $800 million to the state’s economy every year. Most wildlife-watching can be done close to home and doesn’t require any special equipment, other than perhaps a pair of binoculars (or a spotting scope if you’re a serious birder!). Our state is blessed with many species that are easily found and tend to be quite visible. But what about some of our more reclusive species? Have you ever seen a fisher, bobcat, or otter? What about a black bear, or a saw-whet owl? While it’s possible to view any of these species with enough time and effort, trail cameras can give us a glimpse into their lives that’s hard to duplicate with any other method.
Wildlife biologists have been using trail cameras as part of their work for many years, but they are also an amazing tool for anyone who is interested in learning more about Maine's wildlife and their behaviors. Modern trail cameras (many are available for $100 or less) record and store full-color images and video, can work for several months on a single set of batteries, and function perfectly in all weather conditions. When set on a wildlife trail, crossing, or near abundant natural foods (be sure to comply with laws related to the use of trail cameras on private land), it’s common to be rewarded with dozens of photos and video clips of a host of different species. Trail cameras are also a great way to help get kids excited about the outdoors, as they help decide where to set the camera and review the images afterwards.
[caption id="attachment_2609" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] UMaine/MDIFW Research Image[/caption]Categories