by Veronica Bright

Created on: May 05, 2009

In summer and winter the streams provide wild creatures a lifeline. Most people only observe streams and creeks in passing but if you have ever had the opportunity to enjoy really watching a stream, you will know the wonders that can be seen there.

In Nebraska, our wildlife consists mainly of raccoon, opossum, skunk, beaver, deer, some fox and in rural
Nebraska some wildcats can be seen on occasion. If you drive through Nebraska, you will pass and go over hundreds of streams along the way. Most of the time there is nothing to see there except the occasional cow from a nearby farm but if you watch long enough you can see the stream come to life.

Early mornings and dusk are prime times to catch some excellent views of the local wildlife. They come to have their fill of water before beginning their day and again at the end of their day. You can see many species together just as you can in the African Savannah at a local watering hole. The deer are some of the most interesting animals to watch as they timidly exit the cover of the trees to drink the sparkling water of the stream.
Their delicate and graceful features are a wonder to behold as their ears alertly move in search of any sounds of danger nearby.

It is such a peaceful yet exhilarating experience to watch animals at a stream or creek while hiding in silence just to catch a view of them. At the streams there seems to be a truce among the animals. While it is not unheard of for an animal to be attacked at a stream, it is rare.

Streams attract not only animals but of course snakes, lizards, frogs and other amphibian as well.
For those really squeamish of creepy crawlies, you may want to be warned that there is an abundance of bug-life near streams. Water is the key that brings them all together. It is viewing nature at its best when creatures great and small gather to drink the life-giving water.

Since highways and interstates now are so close to streams, you may want to be aware that morning and dusk are peak times for wildlife to be crossing the road. If you want to view wildlife at streams you can either arrive early in the morning (like, 4AM) or you can camp nearby and wait. It is truly a spectacular view and one most people do not soon forget. The wonderful thing is the wildlife changes depending on where you are watching them from.
The wildlife in South Dakota is much different than that in Nebraska and the same can be said across the US. Take a moment and enjoy the magic that happens at the streams at daybreak and dusk.

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