Many guides, in fact, have built-in Life Lists. Here are some very simple things you can do to start seeing all kinds of critters in your own back yard. Turn over a rock or a log. There's always lotsa cool stuff under these things. Put out food for your wildlife.
Bird feeders attract some colorful characters.
So do berry bushes, flowers, and fruit trees. Break some sod. Get out the shovel and dig yourself a new flower bed. You'll see all sorts of great things. You'll catch more than butterflies.