I often get told I must have sharp eyesight. I tell people I’m always on the lookout for a change of shape, change of colour, movement and sound, when out and about. It helps if you revisit the same areas often as you get to know the trees, fallen logs, bushes and so on. You notice if there’s a bump or something different from what is normally in front of you – even at a great distance.
I saw this saying recently, ‘A sharp eye is born of a curious mind’. No idea where it came from originally, but it probably helps explain why I notice things around me when many others don’t. I remain ‘tuned’ to the area, to the moment, always looking for something to get shots of. Aware of movement, aware of sounds, I’ve learnt many bird sounds locally, not just their calls, but even when they fly by. Some birds have a distinctive flapping wings sound, or even a whining sound, when they fly overhead or behind me. Not all, but some.
So, do you have a sharp eye? Is your mind curious?
If doing nature photography (and many other genres too) it will serve you well.