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Backyard Wildlife Watching Guide

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1. Use Binoculars: What to Look For

Binoculars let you observe animals without disturbing them.

For general wildlife watching and birding, 10×42 binoculars are the go-to choice. They’re a great balance of reach and light capture, especially in low light.

• 10x = the object appears 10 times closer than with the naked eye.
• 42 = the diameter of the lens in millimeters, which affects brightness and clarity, especially in low light.

10×42 is a great all-around choice, but if you’re on a budget or prefer something more compact, you can also consider 8×32 (lighter, easier to hold, but still clear) or 12×42 (stronger zoom, but may shakier image. Can add a tripod to steady.

🔍 Tip: If you wear glasses, look for binoculars with adjustable eye relief for comfort.

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2. Recording Wildlife Activity

Consider a Trail Camera: Set and Forget

Trail cams are ideal for catching nighttime or shy animal activity. Some things to consider:

• Power Source
  • Battery-powered: Flexible placement but requires changing batteries.
  • Solar-powered: Low maintenance but must be in a sunny location.
• Footage Access:
  • SD Card Storage: You’ll remove the card and view the footage on your device.
  • Wi-Fi-enabled: Lets you connect directly to your phone but often needs to be close to your router or use a hotspot.
• Image Quality & Trigger Speed: Better specs = better shots
  • Megapixels (MP): Look for at least 16MP or higher for sharp still images
  • Video Resolution: Aim for 1080p or 4K if you plan to capture high-quality footage
• Extras to Look For: Night vision, motion detection, time-lapse mode, and weatherproofing.

📸 Bonus Tip: Use a small tripod or tree strap to position your camera at animal height.

Other Recording Options: Camera or Phone

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can capture incredible moments using regular cameras or phones — especially with the right setup.

We use a GoPro mounted to a tripod for manual filming. It’s a lightweight, adjustable-height tripod with a remote to start video or photos on your phone. It has a 360° swivel handle and mounts for both a camera and GoPro, allowing us to capture tall vertical footage and wide landscape video at the same time. We also keep a few backup batteries and a large SD card on hand to avoid missing anything. It was perfect for filming our finished Pollinator Paradise!

3. Light It Up (Sparingly)

Solar lights can gently light up key areas of your yard—like feeding or watering spots—without disrupting nocturnal animals. Choose warm, soft lights and space them out. You’re not spotlighting animals, just creating enough ambient light to catch subtle movement.

🌙 Tip: Avoid motion-activated floodlights near observation areas—they may scare animals away.

4. Keep a Wildlife Journal or App

Tracking your sightings over time can help you learn patterns and appreciate what you’re seeing. There are some great tools out there to help:

Apps to try:

• Merlin Bird ID (Cornell Lab) – Identifies birds by sight or sound
• iNaturalist – Record plants, animals, and insects in your area
• Seek by iNaturalist – Great for identifying species on the spot
• eBird – Birdwatching data collection and tracking

Or jot down your observations in a nature journal! There are a lot of great options for Bird or Wildlife Watching Journals. Perfect when going off-the-grid.

5. Timing Is Everything

Wildlife are most active in the early morning and around dusk. Plan your observation time accordingly for the best chance of spotting activity. Be patient — movement may be subtle at first.

Tip: Bring a comfy seat or blanket and settle in. Movement and noise will scare most animals away.

6. Blend In

The less noticeable you are, the better your odds of seeing wildlife. Wear neutral colors, avoid strong scents, and stay as quiet as possible.

7. Add Extras to Stay Comfortable

A few simple items can turn an average watching session into a great one:

• Bug spray (especially mosquito repellent)
• Water to stay hydrated
• Sunscreen or hat for daytime viewing
• A small seat, cushion, or lightweight camp chair

8. Know What Wildlife You Might See

Check your local area to learn what animals live nearby and when they’re active. This helps set realistic expectations and boosts your chance of spotting something special.

Our Personal Experience

We’re near the Ocala National Forest, deep in Florida Black Bear country. We learned quickly that putting out a bird feeder wasn’t going to work — soon after moving in a bear completely destroyed our first and only bird feeder the first night it was out. Now, we scatter birdseed directly on the ground instead. The birds and squirrels love it, and the bears leave it alone! During their torpor we’re able to also scatter sunflower seeds.

9. Best Times to Watch

• Early Morning (Dawn): Birds, deer, raccoons, and early-foraging animals are often active.
• Late Afternoon/Dusk: Great for catching activity before nocturnal animals come out.
• Nighttime (with Trail Cams): Ideal for opossums, foxes, skunks, and sometimes bears.

10. Check Local Laws

Before putting out food (like seed, corn, or fruit), check your local ordinances. Some areas restrict feeding wildlife or baiting certain species. Stay safe and legal while supporting nature.

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Shop Wildlife Watching Gear

Looking to start or upgrade your setup? Here are some of our favorite tools:

• Binoculars
  • Bushnell H2O 10x42mm
  • Bushnell H2O 10x25mm
  • Tripod for Binoculars
• Trail Cameras
  • Solar Powered
  • Battery Powered with Trail Pad for Viewing
  • Trail Cam Tree Strap
• GoPro
  • Tripod – Our Favorite for GoPro + Phone
  • Extra Batteries – 3 Pack with Charger
  • 512 GB SD Card
• Solar Firefly Lights
• Journals and Logbooks
  • Wildlife Journal
  • Birding Journal
• Comfy Folding Seat or Outdoor Cushion

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Final Thoughts

You don’t need to travel far to experience wildlife. With a few tools, a little patience, and a sense of curiosity, your own backyard can become a window into the natural world. Whether you’re sipping tea and spotting squirrels, or reviewing nighttime footage of a curious raccoon, every sighting is a little moment of wonder.

We hope this post helps you get started watching (and appreciating) the wildlife around you. Whether you’re birding, filming, or just quietly observing, it’s such a fulfilling way to connect with nature.

👉 Want help turning your yard into a backyard haven? Check out our Backyard Habitat Series for guides on food, water, shelter, and native plants.

Share the Wild!

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🦉 Share the Wonder:
Loved these tips? Share this post with a fellow nature lover or save it to revisit before your next wildlife watching session.

📌 Pin it | Share it | Watch it happen | Tag a friend who would love this lifestyle!

#BackyardHabitat #WildlifeWatching #BirdWatching #NatureLovers #BearBunk

(Affiliate disclosure: BearBunk may earn a small commission from purchases made through Amazon affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping us help animals thrive.)

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More from the Backyard Habitat Series:

Stay tuned for more DIY tips, habitat upgrades, and ways to support the wild ones who share our world. 🐾🌿