Norway spruce

When using a trail camera around a Norway spruce, think of the tree as a vertical highway for wildlife. The dense interior of the spruce is a favorite roosting spot for owls and a nesting site for songbirds. To capture these residents, mount your camera on a nearby structure or another tree facing the spruce's mid-canopy. If you are looking for ground-dwellers like squirrels or chipmunks feeding on fallen seeds, place the camera 12-18 inches off the ground, angled toward the base of the trunk where cone scales often accumulate.

The Norway spruce's low-hanging branches offer a unique opportunity for 'natural housing.' If you place a camera inside the outer perimeter of the branches looking toward the trunk, you can often capture wildlife seeking shelter from rain or snow. This 'under-the-canopy' view provides a rare glimpse into the private lives of birds and small mammals during inclement weather when they are otherwise hidden from view.

Seasonal timing is crucial for capturing specific behaviors. In late autumn and winter, focus your camera on the upper branches where Red Squirrels or Crossbills congregate to extract seeds from the large cones. Because the needles are so dark, ensure your camera has a high-quality infrared flash for night shots, as the deep shadows within the spruce can be difficult for entry-level sensors to penetrate. Set your trigger speed to the fastest possible setting to catch the quick movements of birds flitting between the dense needles.