Be as scent-free as possible. Walk softly and quietly without trying to sneak. Stick to the sidelines. Use binoculars or telephoto lenses to avoid crowding your subject. Take it easy, relax.
Animals detect tension.
Move slowly, act disinterested, avoid staring. Never move directly toward an animal. Think like an animal. Use a field guide to learn more about the specie's life history, preferred food and habitat. Look along borders between habitat types to see residents from both places.