Watching wildlife at night

happy valley · #1 (**permalink**) 22-01-2008, 08:29 AM

Hello All,

You all seem like a friendly bunch, so I thought I'd join you and pose my question to you.

I cannot afford night vision goggles and so I have a torch, but I don't want to scare the local wildlife off by shining it at them. I've heard that a red filter would solve the problem but I don't know why this is and what kind of filter would be best. Would I just get a piece of red film and stick it over my torch ?

I've seen badgers and owl's not far from my home and would love to go out and about a bit more in search of other wildlife.

Thanks for your help.

Regards,

Happy Valley in Bollington, Cheshire (Ian).

FungiJohn · #2 (**permalink**) 22-01-2008, 11:58 AM

Hi Ian and a very warm welcome to WAB. I'm sorry I can't help with your problem but I'm sure someone will be able to suggest something.

John

coasty · #3 (**permalink**) 22-01-2008, 12:14 PM

I cant comment on night vision /infra red stuff for wildlife as I have no knowledge of it however:

I do go fly fishing for sea trout at night. and I would say the lessons I have learned would be relevent,,

Firstly get to know your patch where you intend to watch like the back of your hand..Visit it all the time in daylight and get to know its sights smells and sounds...

Second dont use the torch ever unless its an emergency.. If you must use one use one that has a red filter.. This is mainly to protect your night vision..
It is amazing how your eyes become used to almost no light. But it only takes one flash from the torch to reduce your night vision for hours.

Third. Stay still and keep quiet and if you can go alone. The distraction of another person is very counter productive.

Fourth. Get kitted up for it .If you arent warm and comfortable you cant stay still and concentrate.

Fifth Try and get downwind of your intended watch site...

Six... Enjoy been out alone in the dark in the wild it is truly a magical experience. When you have your first rat run over your foot in the gloom you will know its been worth it,,,

I have sat and watched badgers in the moonlight often. You dont need the fancy equipment to make a start...

happy valley · #4 (**permalink**) 22-01-2008, 01:13 PM

Hi Coasty,

Thanks for the tips. Have seen badgers, was at up in a tree for an hour or two, brilliant stuff, they had no idea I was there. Here a lot of owls round our way, so will try what you say about getting to know the patch and go out as often as possible, would love to see them hunting.

Thanks again,

eeyore · #5 (**permalink**) 22-01-2008, 01:42 PM

I'd definitely second what coasty is saying about using you natural night vision - on moonlit nights you can also use a pair of binos with a big object such as 10x50s to increase youre visual range

coasty · #6 (**permalink**) 22-01-2008, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eeyore

I'd definitely second what coasty is saying about using you natural night vision - on moonlit nights you can also use a pair of binos with a big object such as 10x50s to increase youre visual range

Quite right and if you can get hold of 7x50 they are even better as they give an exit pupil diameter of about 7mm which is just about what the fully dilated human eye can get to..

big bill · #7 (**permalink**) 22-01-2008, 05:40 PM

Hello Ian and welcome to the WAB site enjoy and look forward to your posts

buzfuz8149 · #8 (**permalink**) 22-01-2008, 08:04 PM

Hi Ian,

a warm welcome to WAB, looking forward to your posts especially about your night watching.

Carol.

tigger · #9 (**permalink**) 22-01-2008, 08:13 PM

Yes, red film... I've also heard others say green film or no film (as some people say they have seen them with just a torch and they didn't react. I haven't been able to find a definitive answer to "what colours badgers can or can't see".

Personally I use my own night vision, and when really dark I use a "night vision aid" like a scope but with IR, which was around £100.

The main thing with badgers is to stop them smelling you (so up a tree is great), hearing you (pretty obvious) and seeing you (although their eyesight is poor they do notice strange "bushes" that weren't there the night before!).

Hope this helps.

Jane

mh68 · #10 (**permalink**) 22-01-2008, 08:37 PM

Hi happy valley. One thing that hasnt been mentioned so far is to be careful not to draw attention to any Badger setts youre watching if using torches etc, Badger baiting is still prevalent in many areas so every effort must be taken to prevent the location of setts getting in the wrong hands.
Also, many setts are regularly observed by local Badger groups, and any activity involving torches around setts may be reported to the police if observers dont know who is responsible.
Hope this doesnt sound too negative, but it was worth pointing out. I look forward to hearing of your nocturnal adventures

Mark H