Like most recreational activities, wildlife viewing can be as simple or as involved as you want it to be. There are situations where you can be successful without ever leaving your car or back porch swing; on the other hand, there are experiences that require extensive planning, dedication, and physical stamina.

Wildlife viewing is an exciting activity, and much of this excitement stems from the fact that you can never be sure what you might see. If you spend much time at all at any of the sites in this Web-based viewing guide, you will see wildlife of one kind or another. Some days will be better than others, but there are several things you can do to greatly increase your chances of success.

Easy does it
The best way to see more wildlife more often is to slow down. Walk softly and quietly and try to blend into the environment. Stop often to look and listen.

Timing is everything
Different wildlife are active at different times of day, so it helps to know a little about the animals you wish to see. For instance, red-tailed hawks soaring on thermal air currents might best be viewed during the heat of a summer afternoon, while flying squirrels will only be seen by the light of the moon. In general, more kinds of wildlife are active in the early morning and late evening than any other time of day.

Choose the season
Just as with time of day, wildlife activity also varies with season. Some animals will not be found during the cold Michigan winter. Many kinds of birds and a few kinds of insects migrate south; many small mammals hibernate; and reptiles and amphibians burrow underground and become dormant. On the other hand, winter is often a good time to view white-tailed deer because their brown coats stand out against the snowy ground.

Use equipment to help
There is a tremendous variety of equipment and accessories to help you get the most out of your wildlife viewing excursions. All of these are optional?you don't have to own any fancy equipment to see wildlife?however, these things can greatly enhance your viewing experiences.

Binoculars or spotting scopes ? A pair of binoculars makes a great addition to a wildlife viewing trip. They bring the action right up close where you can see colors and behavior that you would never see with the naked eye.

Field identification guides ? This online guide contains some very basic wildlife identification techniques, but they are only the tip of the iceberg. There are numerous pocket-size field guides available that collectively can help you identify nearly every plant and animal in Michigan. These guides also contain specific information about the habits and behaviors of the wildlife you are trying to view.

Road map or atlas ? This wildlife viewing guide contains locator maps and written directions to help you find the listed sites. However, a good state or county road map can point out many other interesting sites and attractions nearby that you might otherwise pass by.

Carrying case ? A backpack or other carrying case can be very handy for storing all your equipment. Keeping your equipment in one place makes it easy to grab the bag and go wildlife viewing at a moment's notice.

Come prepared
The sites in this guide encompass the full range of outdoor experiences, from indoor viewing windows, to paved trails, to back-country wilderness. Be sure you know what to expect before making your visit. Check the facilities icons listed for each site and prepare accordingly. If you have questions, call the site owner or manager for more information. It is always a good idea to bring boots, rain gear, bug spray, and water. At wilderness or undeveloped sites, be sure to bring maps and a compass, and know how to use them.

All in good time
Patience is a virtue for wildlife watchers. If you jump out of your car at a site expecting to see all of the listed wildlife right away, you probably will be disappointed. Animal movements and behavior patterns often are very unpredictable, which can be a source of frustration or fascination. The key is to learn where to go and how to look, and then just hang in there!

Just one more trail…
Wildlife watching is a great reason to get out on the ground and hike "just one more trail" or float "just one more river." It offers the challenge of pursuit, the thrill of the unexpected, and the peace of primeval solitude. You never know what lies around that next bend, so why not check it out?