wildlife is perhaps as challenging a genre as any in photography. about the only other type where you have so little control over the subject is shooting babies or pets, and let's face it, they're barely above the status of a squirrel or a heron anyway! ;)

the biggest problem with wildlife is that not only do you have no control over their actions, but you can never choose the conditions. you wind up shooting in lousy light, with a lousy backdrop, just to get a shot at all, and half the time, the critter isn't doing anything the least bit interesting!

in my mind, there are a few fundamental rules for wildlife photography (assuming you've already mastered the basic mechanics and techniques of photography in general):
1. know the habits, and habitat, of the animals you're after
2. be patient - be very, very, patient!
3. use the best telephoto lens you can afford
4. did i mention patience?