Reference
Reference
This glossary gathers the words that come up in conversations between observers, in nature books and in the answers in our guide. The definitions are deliberately simple: they are meant to help you understand what is happening to the animals around you, not to replace a zoology textbook.
Once something has a name, it becomes much easier to notice: learn the word "fledgling" and you will start seeing them every summer.
Birds
- Fledgling
- A young bird that has left the nest before it can fly well. Its parents usually keep feeding it, so a healthy fledgling should not be taken home.
- Nesting season
- The period when birds build nests, incubate eggs and raise chicks. It is especially important not to disturb them at this time.
- Migration
- The seasonal movement of birds between breeding and wintering grounds. Some species fly away for the winter, while others stay and look for food near people.
- Feeder
- A device for feeding birds. It does good when it holds suitable food, stays clean and is refilled regularly.
Mammals
- Hibernation
- A state in which some animals spend the cold season, living on reserves built up during the warm months. An animal in hibernation must never be woken.
- Den
- A bear's winter shelter. Brown bear cubs are born in the den in winter, small, blind and helpless.
- Burrow
- An underground home that an animal digs itself or takes over ready-made. Do not dig up a burrow or peer into it.
- Tracks and signs
- Footprints, gnaw marks, droppings and other clues that tell you who has been nearby, even if you never meet the animal itself.
Watching
- Disturbance distance
- The distance inside which an animal starts to feel uneasy: it freezes, raises its head, calls or runs away. It varies between species and even between individuals.
- Nature diary
- Notes on where, when and what you saw. Over time they show how life in the backyard or park changes from season to season.
- Binoculars
- An optical instrument that lets you see an animal from afar without getting close to it.
- Wildlife rehabilitation
- Care for injured and weakened wild animals, provided by specialists, with the aim of returning them to the wild. Do not try to nurse a wild animal at home yourself.
Where these words appear
- Guides
How to set up a bird feeder without harming birds: preparation, steps with sample scenarios, mistakes and a checklist. Plus our article catalogue.
- Questions
Short answers about birds at the feeder, fledglings, hedgehogs, squirrels, encounters in the woods and bites.
- Bears in winter (in Russian)
A note on an old address: how brown bears spend the winter in a den and why you must never approach them.
- Collections
Reading paths: helping birds through winter, exploring nature with children and who comes out in the park at night.
Read next
- Questions
Short answers about birds at the feeder, fledglings, hedgehogs, squirrels, encounters in the woods and bites.
- Guides
How to set up a bird feeder without harming birds: preparation, steps with sample scenarios, mistakes and a checklist. Plus our article catalogue.
- Sections
Four sections: birds outside the window, animals in the park and garden, found animals, and quiet observation.
- Home
An independent guide to watching animals and birds near your home without disturbing them or putting yourself at risk.
Sources
- Popular zoology and ornithology handbooks for nature lovers (general information)
- Rabies prevention leaflets (general guidance)
This guide describes watching animals and birds in general terms as of the date it was prepared. We do not give treatment advice for people or animals: if a wild animal bites or scratches you, see a doctor right away, and leave injured or weakened animals to wildlife rehabilitation specialists.