Prey density: eastern scrub 12 insects per square metre, rocky outcrop 5, marsh 0.3. Terrain: flat grass 30% of the field, slopes 40%, cliffs 30%. Window of opportunity: sunrise to noon gives the best light and cooler temperatures, so about two hours before the heat builds. Route: start in the scrub, move 200 metres west across the open grass, then 150 metres up the slope to the ridge, then take a 300 metre shortcut through the marsh – that gives the highest yield per hour while keeping the frogs away from the path. The fungi there are prolific, a beautiful reminder of decay turning into new life.

Remember the cicadas on the birch will signal the end of the 24‑hour window – their chorus starts at 08:30 and peaks at 09:00. If we hit the ridge by 08:45 we’ll still be ahead of the heat surge and the dragonfly swarms that arrive at 10:00. The frogs will be in the marsh after 10:30, so that’s our hard stop. Keep the pace to 1.2 metres per second, and you’ll cover the 650 metres in 9 minutes, giving a buffer for any predator glances. Don’t forget the fungal mats on the south‑west slope – they’re a good sign of recent moisture, meaning prey density could be higher than the average. Good luck, and remember that a single ant’s wingbeat can hint at the entire colony’s activity.

The fungal mats should show a thick, spore‑laden patch; that’s the sign the colony is nearby and the prey density should spike. Keep the clock, pace, and cicadas in check, and you’ll have the perfect data set for a clean foraging run. Good luck.