The Naturalist's Companion: A Field Guide to Observing and Understanding Wildlife

"The Naturalist’s Companion is an essential read for anyone who wants to enhance their wildlife observation skills." ― Seattle Book Review Practical guidance on how to achieve a deeper level of nature observation From the co-founder of Primitive Pursuits, renowned nature awareness program Provides concrete tools for improving the depth and quality of outdoor experiences The Naturalist’s Companion fills an important void in outdoor education by teaching readers how to become more learned and patient observers and, ultimately, more proficient naturalists. Through exhaustive time in the field, author Dave Hall has developed a comprehensive understanding of nature awareness and refined his skills to enhance any time spent outdoors and to foster closer, more respectful encounters with wildlife. Through personal anecdotes and detailed explanations, Hall teaches the principles and ethics of stealth walking, calling, tracking, interpreting basic animal behavior, and much more. Each chapter concludes with a list of exercises, prompting readers to study and put these skills into use, while introductory sections discuss gear, safety, ethics, and thoughtful engagement. The Naturalist’s Companion will deepen readers’ connection with the outdoors and help them to establish and maintain consistent, intimate, and informed wildlife observations.