To capture those rare moments in the camera is an art and the trick to learn them is by practicing them and it is always better to practice on your cats and on birds in my yard or local parks and the with that basic training you are armed with the essential knowledge of photography!
I can provide you with some tips that would come handy for you to get the best shots of animals and birds in the wild.
Start by targeting moving targets that would make you respond efficiently to those dramatic photographs with a sense of speed.
Always keep your camera handy and set up for unexpected encounters and also replace camera batteries from time to time and make sure that you have plenty of film or memory.
It’s always better to have at least homework done in the sense that you should be aware of what kinds of animals and birds are commonly found there. This would be helpful for you to know where to look to find them and what kinds of behavior to expect.
Apply common sense and don’t do anything that your action startles or threatens the animal. Learn to walk and move quietly and practice freezing your position so that your presence is not known to them.
Be vigilant of everything around you using all your senses and with little practice you will gain the ability to be aware of small movements, unusual colors or sounds, even smells that can tip you off to the presence of an animal or bird even when they are well camouflaged.
For wildlife photography telephoto lenses are basically a must, though the use of a tripod is not always mandatory. They give a closer and fine view of the animals without bearing the fear of going close to the scary creatures!
When you photograph animals and birds, make sure the focus is sharpest on their eyes. Shoot small animals from a lower angle.
You will get best photographs early in ring gear the mornings and just before dark. This is when wildlife is usually most active and the light is the most dramatic. Try to keep the sun at your back so that the light falls directly on your subject.