Once a druid has befriended the animals a source of information about their locality is ensured. Putting out tid-bits is not enough to learn what can be learned from the animals. The ability to actually converse with them is the greatest way to understand fully what each knows and once friends have become loyal a regular update on current events can take place.
First the druid must be able to know where the animal is, this is usually within sight and the druids Intelligence in feet (or vocal range whichever is lesser) but can be used upon animals that are not seen but are known to be in the immediate vicinity by the druid, this range is lesser than the sight and is equal to the druids intellect ÷ 10 feet. The druid begins by focusing upon the animal and then making the starting call, to do this the druid must be familiar or have met the animal species at least twice before. If the animal wishes it may respond, but animals have their own characters and alignments and their communication may not be to the druids wishes or convenience. The conversation lasts until either the druid wishes to end it or the animal departs, whichever comes first. To outside observers the druid is imitating the animal perfectly while the druid is hearing the animal in their own language.
The amulet must contain animal bone, found either by sacrifice or by finding a dead body of such, and the type of bone determines the type of animal that can be conversed with, so many druids who wish to speak to many animal types have bracelets or necklaces made containing small carvings of the different animals made from that animal bone.
The staff or wand must have a feather or claw attached to it in order that it can be used, blood from the various animals that whished to be communicated with must be poured over the wand or staff.
Like the amulet, wand and staff, these items once constructed are permanently powered to deliver the charge but drain the druid one of their spells within their Manc period. I.e. Wildborn can still at maximum cast 10 Animal Talks in a day.
The salve is rubbed into the hands before communication starts and both hands held up to the animal.