Started looking for wildlife today....

euser1984

We have loads of woodland in marsh type boggy terrains. The trees would have been planted in one of those government schemes and knocked down a long time ago. The new trees that were replaced are already very big.

I treaded in a pathway which most people wouldn't have gone down casually. I thought maybe badgers were using it as a route but my german shepherd didn't get any unusual scents. She usually finds woodland boring....

I also treaded through some new terrain to add onto the route...It was loads of branches with all sorts of most and stuff growing on them. Some of it really couldn't take much weight. I didn't come across anything and it's right beside a fairly moving river.

Am I looking in the wrong places?

Cork boy 55

What type of trees?

thomur

Having a dog doesnt help. Takes time and slow motion

euser1984

I don't know but there is all sorts of undergrowth and thorns and everything where they can get light. There the same type as the usual artificial forests you see planted on bad fields.....maybe there are variants of trees?

Woodville56

You could also vary the time you visit the habitat - some species are more active towards dawn and dusk, an early morning or late evening walk might reveal something. Sounds like it could be a good area for bird life and birdsong if there's good vegetation of various types. You could also link in with the local branch of Birdwatch Ireland or the Irish Wildlife Trust in your area if you have an interest in learning more about wildlife . Check their websites for local branch contacts, outings etc
Enjoy !

bing3

Would hazard a guess given your habitat description that it may be a non native spruce that you have planted and thus wont sustain much indigenous wildlife. Keep an eye out for badgers, squirrels, foxes and goldcrests perhaps but wouldnt hold out too much hope. Sorry.

yellowlabrador

Are there any guided nature walks in your area? Someone with a bit of experience would be able to teach you the things to look out for. If you start feeding the birds in your garden, you can get an idea of what birds are in your area. Get a few guides to plants and animals, you can even get some for your phone. I take my phone with me and when I find a plant I don't know, I take a picture so I can research it on line. It also pays to sit quietly in a spot and wait.
Find out what the different birds sound like, Go out at dawn and listen to the dawn chorus.

euser1984

I just looked at birdwatch ireland there. I suppose what I'm most interested in are the likes of badgers, foxes, otters.....

Judgement Day

euser1984 wrote: »

I just looked at birdwatch ireland there. I suppose what I'm most interested in are the likes of badgers, foxes, otters.....

Well, badgers are nocturnal so you're unlikely to see them and as for anything else - lose the dog. Somebody with local knowledge should be able to tell you what's about but the terrain doesn't sound that promising.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

All locations hold some wildlife of some description. You need to be quiet and patient. It may just be a few birds but there is something there. But, as said, you can't take the dog with you! Bring binoculars instead.