The conical, chiseled stumps left by beaver are evident around the marsh. The playful river otter makes occasional appearances. Old rotting trees in the forests of Virginia pines, loblolly pines, and oaks provide nesting cavities for bluebirds. Scarlet tanagers, identified by bright red plumage and black wings, catch the sun as they fly high in the oaks and pines. Woodcocks probe the muddy creek banks for earthworms.
Gray foxes prowl the woods for small rodents at night.
An occasional bald eagle steals a fish from an osprey . In short, Idylwild is a great place to spot wildlife, especially in the early morning and at dusk. No one has to tell hunters of the opportunities here. Seasons are provided for waterfowl, deer, squirrel, turkey, rabbit, and woodcock. But wildlife watchers, bird watchers, and nature photographers can also have good luck at places like this where the lack of amenities also means a lack of disturbance by crowds of people.