Watching wildlife is a pleasure you can enjoy at any age, and although national parks provide the most spectacular settings in which to do so, even the most urban location offers opportunities. You don't need any special equipment, although a decent set of binoculars is of good use. You can do it in any weather, at any time of day. In fact, you don't even need to leave your house...as anyone knows who has sipped hot cocoa comfortably inside while watching the chickadees brave ice and snow. But if you want to see more than what's outside your kitchen window, you have to go out and explore. And when you do, there are some basic skills that will help you see the wildlife around you. Here's three I find important: