4. Where: Unless you’re after crows, most animals don’t like cities. A little research shows you where they are. 

i.                     Prowl the edges. The baylands, streambanks, foothills and forest clearings all see wildlife hurrying by, or hunting.

ii                   Find fresh water. Sites like the marsh in New Mexico’s Bosque del Apache and Dechambeau Ponds near California’s salty Mono Lake attract water birds and thirsty mammals.

iii                  Ask a native guide. Locals know where to look.

iv                 Keep coming back. Many birds and mammals have territories they hunt and live on. Territories can be 50 square feet around a ground squirrel burrow or 200 square miles for a wolf pack. When you spot a red-tailed hawk perched on a fencepost, it’s probably one of his favorite places to watch for ground squirrels and other snacks. Don't worry if you miss the shot that day. He’ll be back – and you can be waiting to get the picture.

TIP: Location, location, location: Go nearby!
You can occasionally make big trips to prime locations like Bosque del Apache and Grand Teton National Park, but you’ll make your best pictures close to home. Why? You can return to favorite locations ‘til you get what you want – they’re close! Plus you can capture different species and moods in different seasons all year. Find out where the best local spots are for the animals you’re after – native guides like city rangers or birders usually know. Find an email group of local bird watchers for the best hints.