Wildlife Watching in America's National Parks: A Seasonal Guide

Winter

{ Winter 160 | Winter T here is always something fascinating to discover in America’s national parks. This holds true even in winter. undeniably, in many northern parks the harsh winters and icy roads can test the wildlife observers’ dedication, just as winter tests the perseverance of the mammals and birds that brave the inclement weather. And in a northern winter there are often fewer animals to see because many birds have migrated to faraway places while many mammals, reptiles, and amphibians sleep away the winter months in their hibernacula. Yet there are many great and unexpected wildlife-viewing opportunities in winter. For example, some animals do not hibernate or migrate and in many ways are much more active and interesting than they are in the lazy summer months. Also, some species are actually easier to spot in the winter as they gather in large congregations and in very predictable areas. Another plus to wildlife viewing in winter is that in many parks one may have the site all to oneself, a far contrast from the crowds and traffic Bison in winter at Yellowstone National Park. (Photo by Gary W. Vequist) 161| Winter of summer. In winter a park visitor can experience a sense of peace and solitude that is difficult to find in the other seasons. So, wildlife viewing in winter is not only rewarding, it can actually be more rewarding than in the other seasons, especially if one knows when and where to look. In the following three sections we highlight three species representing three different classes of the animal kingdom (reptiles, mammals, and birds). All wildlife observers hold the American alligator, gray whale, and bald eagle in high esteem. In south Florida many animals, like alligators, do not migrate or hibernate, making it possible to view them year-round. Winter is actually the best time to view alligators; the temperatures are tolerable, the bugs less buggy, and migrants from up north have joined the resident wildlife. On the Pacific Coast, in Northern California, whale watchers travel out in January to the scenic Point reyes coastline to search the ocean surface for migrating gray whales. The shore-hugging migration of the gray whale makes them relatively easy to spot. For wildlife observers it’s almost as if a parade is passing by, albeit with widely spaced participants. The spouting mists from their blowholes are as timeless as the waters they swim in. Winter—a little extra work, but it’s worth it Face it! Some animals are just not easy to see in the wild because they’re secretive, nocturnal, or scarce. Even experienced outdoorsmen can go their entire lives without seeing a mountain lion, lynx, or mink. Yet in the winter you can see the next best thing, their tracks. In fact, by following their tracks through the snow, as they travel, hunt, scavenge, and interact with members of other species, you can actually learn more about the animal than you would if you caught a glimpse of it fleeing through the brush. Head outdoors after a fresh snowfall and you will have a great wildlife adventure. 162 | Winter Far away from either coast, in snowy Minnesota, birdwatchers clothed in down jackets and mittens come from throughout the Midwest to see the large gatherings of bald eagles congregated near the unfrozen sections of the upper Mississippi river. These majestic birds swoop over open water snatching whatever fish, waterfowl, or other prey they can. They need to eat fast as other eagles may move in to steal the catch. By late winter, adult eagles are beginning their acrobatic courtship displays in preparation for the nesting season just around the corner. So in reality, winter is far from a dead period; it is actually a great season to visit a national park and watch wildlife. ...