While you are home social-distancing yourself during the Coronavirus pandemic, you might find yourself feeling disconnected from wildlife. I know I’m certainly missing the wildlife I usually see when I’m out on the trails. Luckily, there are some ways we can all de-stress and enjoy some wildlife from our homes during this strange time.
Here Are Some Ways You Can Appreciate the Beautiful & Awesome (Non-human) Animals From Your Home:
Watch Wildlife Cams
I find watching wildlife cams to be so peaceful, interesting, and entertaining. The cams really can transport you to the beautiful outdoors, all across the world. So, if you’re getting cabin fever, see if watching these wildlife cams help remedy those feelings a little bit.
Some of my favorite wildlife cams include:
Cornell Lab’s Fruit-Feeder Cam in Panama, Powered by Explore.org
This wildlife cam features stunning, colorful birds, such as Flame-rumped Tanager, Crimson-backed Tanager, Spot-crowned Barbet, Rufous Motmot, Chestnut-headed Oropendola, and more at Canopy Lodge in Panama. I LOVE checking in on this cam and seeing which birds fly in and out of the frame.
I’m obsessed with the sounds from this wildlife cam. It makes me feel like I’m camping in African wilderness. And, of course, the wildlife you can see on here is amazing! You can watch elephants, rhinos, buffalos, antelopes, lions, leopards, hundreds of species of birds, and more!
Brooks Falls Brown Bears at Katmai National Park, Alaska
Want to watch beautiful brown bears catch salmon at a popular wildlife fishing spot? If so, then I think you’ll really enjoy this wildlife cam!
What to Keep in Mind About Wildlife Cams:
When you’re watching the live footage, there’s (of course) no guarantee there will be any wildlife on the cam. Fear not, though! You can watch video highlights that feature really cool moments from previous footage. So, even if there isn’t any wildlife visible on the live video when you check in, you can still watch some fun wildlife footage.
Scout for Wildlife Around Your Property
If you have a yard, you could hypothetically have a ton of wildlife on your property. Birds, reptiles, amphibians, marsupials, and insects could all be just a couple of steps away from you. Before we ever even set up our bird feeders, we regularly spotted all kinds of birds, garden snakes, tree frogs, lizards, skinks, squirrels, butterflies, dragonflies, and more. We currently have two bird feeders up and a bat house, and we have countless Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Woodpeckers hanging around our property.
Even if you don’t have bird feeders or much of an outdoor space at home, you might still be able to see some wildlife. If there are trees around, there’s bound to be some wildlife near them. If you are in a super urban area, like Manhattan, you could still spot some wildlife. Urban wildlife will check out areas like sidewalks where humans could have dropped food. Additionally, if city garbage cans or trash that’s been taken out is visible from your apartment, you can bet there are some wild animals scouting that area. I know this might all sound underwhelming and crazy, but when cabin fever is setting in, you really might find some joy in watching the interactions of wildlife of any kind — even urban wildlife. I mean, there’s a reason why shows like Meerkat Manor do well. Wildlife, of ALL kinds, is interesting. You might be surprised at the relationships between the wildlife you see in busy cities. Who knows – maybe you can create your own wildlife documentary through the window of your apartment. You might laugh at the idea now, but you may just be narrating a feud between Possums before this Coronavirus Quarantine is over.
In our yard, I regularly watch the drama between different birds and squirrels. The Blue Jays, in particular, are always ready to scare all other animals away when they are feeding. Squirrels will knock each other off the feeders. Oh, and the pigeons are always trying to hover around the feeders and block the cardinals from the food.
Peruse Wildlife Photo Galleries
Another way you can appreciate wildlife during this crazy time is by scrolling through Professional Photographers’ wildlife galleries.
Here are some Wildlife Photographers I adore who showcase countless, stunning photos. Many of these images can be purchased from the Photographers, so be sure to shop around if you want to add some wildlife art to your home or office!
Get in Touch
If you watch any of the wildlife cams, I’d love to hear what animals you saw! Additionally, let me know what animals you see out your window or in your backyard while we are all self-isolating during the Coronavirus pandemic. You can comment below or email me at emilykeenphotography@gmail.com. Also, feel free to check out my own wildlife gallery if you’d like! Thanks, and stay safe during this uncertain time!
Emily Keen Photography 