Moldova has a variety of wildlife, from birds living along its rivers and lakes to mammals found in forests, fields and open grassland.
The forests of Codrii, the wetlands along the Prut and Dniester rivers, and the countryside all provide habitats for different animals.
Some are easy to spot, especially birds near water and others, such as deer, foxes and wild boar, are more difficult to see because they tend to avoid people.
You may not see many animals during a walk, but there is usually more wildlife around you than you first realise.
Birds
Birds are among the easiest wild animals to observe.
Near rivers and lakes, you may see herons standing in shallow water, ducks swimming among the reeds and storks searching for food in nearby fields.
In forests and villages, you can hear woodpeckers, songbirds and many other species and in the spring and autumn are particularly interesting because migrating birds pass through Moldova.
Bring binoculars if you have them and even a short walk beside a lake can be interesting for birdwatching.
Land Animals
Moldova's forests and countryside are home to roe deer, foxes, hares, wild boar and several smaller mammals.
Roe deer are sometimes seen near forest edges or in open fields, especially early in the morning or towards evening.
Foxes also live in farmland and wooded areas, although they usually keep their distance from people.
Wild boar are present in some forest areas, but they are best observed from a safe distance.
Finding tracks in soft ground can sometimes tell you more about the animals living nearby than the walk itself and for children, it is a good way of learning
about the wildlife
The Unseen Life
Not all wildlife in Moldova is large enough to notice immediately.
Butterflies, bees, beetles and other insects are common in gardens, meadows and along field margins, particularly during the warmer months.
Frogs and other amphibians live around ponds and wetlands, while lizards can sometimes be seen warming themselves on stones or in sunny places.
Even an old tree or a small patch of grass can provide shelter and food for several different species.
Sometimes the most interesting things are right next to your feet.
Împreună, aceste momente formează ceva liniștit, dar întreg.
Nu un spectacol. Nu ceva după care să alergi.
Ci ceva care te înconjoară -dacă îi dai voie.
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Together, these moments form something quiet, but complete.
Not a spectacle.
Not something to chase.
But something that surrounds you - if you allow it.
