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One of the biggest challenges in any wildlife photography is where do you go to find your subjects. It's no different with your backyard as opposed to a 10,000 acre wildlife refuge.
When you want to shoot birds, grab a lawn chair or stool and sit out in your front/back yard and relax. Watch the birds, listen for the squirrels. Get a feel for where most of the activity is concentrated.
Once you find that, find a place to position yourself far enough so you don't spook the wildlife but close enough for your lens to reach the subject. Wildlife photography requires you to be patient -- allow your subjects to show themselves and be in a position so you don't scare them away before you press the shutter.
You may have the opportunity and an understanding spouse who will allow you to put up a concealment blind. This setup can be as simple as stringing camouflage netting between two trees or as complex as building a camo tent/hut to shoot from.
Wherever you set up, remember the animals have to get used to your presence. The least amount of movement from you, the better your chances. If you have to move around, do so slowly. It's a good idea to use a monopod or tripod for these prolonged shoots, especially with a long, heavy lens.
Now if your wildlife interest lies with the smaller species, they have a different environment. Bugs, lizards and butterflies hang out where there's food and shelter from predators. Search throughout the bushes, ivy patches, flower gardens, and wildflowers. Once the bugs and butterflies begin to emerge, the spiders and lizards will soon follow.
While you're scouting your yard, pay attention to the available light. I've got spots in my yard that are better in the morning and some that are suited for the afternoon sun. Try to position yourself so the shooting area is front lit and not too much in the shadows. When you are shooting macro, remember not to cast a shadow over your subject as you shoot.
A Little Yard Work Might Pay Off
While you may have a population of birds, squirrels, lizards, bugs, and other critters, it may not be an ideal environment for photography. You may have an abundance of leaves or limbs that hide the birds, bushes that are over-grown and other influences that make it difficult to get a clear shot at your subjects.
In these times, you'll need to do a little yard work. Yes, I realize that men cower at the notion of trimming back the trees and bushes or planting flowers. Just think of it this way: your wife doesn't need to know that you're planting flowers to attract butterflies. Just tell her that you're trying to spruce up the yard for barbecue season.
You may find that it's necessary to create a natural habitat or improve upon what you have. With birds for example, once you have found your vantage point, are there limbs that would obscure a clear shot at the birds? In the fall, after the leaves have dropped, it's easier to get a clear shot but in summer, you may have to do some pruning. Tree and bush trimming is an ongoing process with bird photography.
As you edit your pictures and notice a wayward twig blocking the bird, just get your handy-dandy tree trimmer and snip away. But be mindful of the animal's habitat when trimming trees and bushes. Don't go overboard where the animals security and well being is compromised. Avoid exposing nests to a predator's eyes.
Check with your local garden shop to see what flowering plants attract butterflies for your area. Get some guidance from someone with a green thumb and plant them in a manner where you can both beautify your yard and make a great tableau for your camera.
Flowering plants are an ideal habitat for a lot smaller creatures. The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other insects. Butterflies, bees, and insects attract spiders and maybe even lizards, depending on where you live. All of which are great macro wildlife subjects. The flowers themselves can also be very photogenic, and as an added bonus, are much more sedentary and less skittish than many small creatures.
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