Reindeer Sighting Tips from Elly Elf

After achieving a Ph.D. in Reindeer Studies and years of working in the North Pole with reindeer, I have made a list of tips that will increase the chances of spotting a reindeer in flight this season. It may seem foolproof, but there are some little known facts about reindeer that may surprise even the most knowledgeable reindeer enthusiasts. Simply follow these tips and I GUARANTEE you will see at least one reindeer in flight this season.

• Look on the 24th of December to increase your chances. Typically they migrate during this time of year; however they have been spotted during other times of the year. • Look during the day too. Reindeer spend hours training to stay in shape. • Reindeer are always on the move. They work hard during the day and carry large packs for their owners. They may also pull sleighs. Just because they work for regular people during the day doesn’t mean they can’t fly at night. Where to Look for Reindeer • Look in places besides on rooftops. Reindeer practice landing in a variety of areas to prepare for those rough landings. Remember not everyone lives in a regular house, so look out for tile roofs, or steep inclines that will help prepare and test their landing skills. • Reindeer fly in harsh weather as well as on clear nights. Every December 24th the weather is different, so look for reindeer on rainy and foggy nights also.

Did you know that Elk are closely related to the reindeer? Visit the Oregon Zoo's Roosevelt Elk at the Cascades exhibit!

• If you live in the city, expect the reindeer to fly higher in the sky because the chance of being seen is greater.

• If you live in a rural area the reindeer may travel lower to the ground. To increase your chances of seeing a reindeer in flight go out into an open field. Reindeer often eat lichen and branches, so keep your eyes open for missing branches and bark.

Enticing Reindeer

• Other reindeer snacks include apples, carrots and grass. Leaving these snacks out may increase your chances of a sighting.

• The reindeer named in the song aren’t the only ones you can see in flight. Besides Dancer, Dasher, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph, there are many other reindeer capable of flying. The famous reindeer may need a break, so try the names Toby (Toboggan), Mel, Otto, Tinsel, Star, Manny, Holly, Nogg (Eggnog) and Belle.