Although it varies by specific locations, with estimates of deer density at 16 deer per square mile, it\u2019s almost a given. That also means just a few days ago, somewhere nearby, a pair of bucks were fighting in the woods. <\/p>\n
In the spring, does will give birth to and raise their fawns within earshot of humans and passing cars. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s probably the same for coyotes, but I\u2019ll change the bet to \u201chas passed within a \u00bd mile of where you\u2019re sitting within the week.\u201d They\u2019re adaptable critters and well-suited to the night. <\/p>\n
That means they can live within close proximity to humans, finding food and avoiding detection throughout their home range, which can be as large as 10 miles. Or they can just pick up and go, traveling more than 100 miles to some place different. <\/p>\n
From eagles overhead to raccoons shuffling through the night, life goes on outside and through our backyards all of the time. You just have to be looking to see. <\/p>\n
Ways to watch<\/b><\/p>\n
Watching local wildlife in Ohio has provided inspiration with global implications. Wilbur Wright developed his unique theory of controlling flight by watching buzzards soar at the Pinnacles on the west side of the Great Miami River. Noticing how the birds twisted their wings to get more lift on one side than the other, the brothers developed ideas that led to their \u201cwarped wing\u201d control systems for their heavier-than-air flying machine. <\/p>\n
A popular picnic spot at the turn of the last century, you can hike the same area today as part of the local Aviation Trail. <\/p>\n
A great local spot for birders and other wildlife watchers is the Spring Valley Wildlife Area. At 846 acres total, including 150 acres of lake and marsh, it provides a lot of opportunities to see all kinds of animals. In fact, more than 230 species of birds have been identified there. From migrating geese (even species other than Canada geese) to woodcock, birds of both meadow and marsh at different times of the year can be seen here. <\/p>\n
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website there\u2019s a \u201c2.5-mile observation trail circles the marsh and provides relatively dry walking.\u201d I\u2019d translate that to \u201cbring waterproof boots,\u201d in my experience. There\u2019s also an observation deck in the marshland north of the lake itself. <\/p>\n
Or you could stay closer to home and use technology to help see what\u2019s going on in your wild neighborhood. Motion-activated trail cameras have been widely available for years and have advanced dramatically, from simple SD cards to wireless connections straight to your smartphone. <\/p>\n
One of the most unexpected \u201ctools\u201d for viewing wildlife has been video doorbells such as the Ring and other internet-enabled security cameras. With a low price point, they can provide great wildlife viewing, accidentally or intentionally. <\/p>\n
If a Wi-Fi signal reaches the device, you\u2019re in business. Minnesota naturalist Stan Tekila uses one to watch flying squirrels coming to his feeder. One of my neighbors set one up at a back door. They were surprised by the number of deer and nightly coyote comings and goings. There are also a variety of bird feeders that have everything from cameras to microphones to bring the sounds of the outdoors in. For a lower-tech approach, the ODNR offers a long list of guides to identify wildlife and plans for habitat and housing that you can do yourself. <\/p>\n
Share the space<\/b><\/p>\n
One thing to be aware of when going outdoors on public land is to know the seasons and be aware of and considerate of hunters in the area. For example, if you notice occupied tree stands or ground blinds (often a camouflaged tent-like structure) give it a wide berth. Likewise, if you see of spread of decoys on the water or land, keep some distance between the groups. <\/p>\n
That will make for a more enjoyable outing for all. <\/p>\n
Devin Meister is a local outdoors and wildlife enthusiast and has a blog called \u201cAverage Guy Outdoors.\u201d He is an Ohio University graduate. Reach him at meister.devin@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n MORE ONLINE<\/b><\/p>\n Aviation Trail – The Pinnacles<\/b><\/p>\n aviationtrailinc.org\/additional-trail-sites<\/a> <\/p>\n Spring Valley Wildlife Area<\/b><\/p>\n ohiodnr.gov\/go-and-do\/plan-a-visit\/find-a-property\/spring-valley-wildlife-area<\/a> <\/p>\n Field Guides and Backyard Guides<\/b><\/p>\n![\"Devin](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/646OYUH64JHZTFNFNF27AA53E4.png\")
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