Post by Gord on Nov 1, 2005 23:59:07 GMT -8
Birdwatching to identify birds is fun, but at times it can be challenging for all experience levels. For example, a disturbingly high number of bird species are brown in colour. They mostly hop around on the ground when they’re not sneaking around in dense bush. In order to go beyond dismissing it as a LBJ (Little Brown Job) and giving it a name, you need to take on the task of discovering its other patterns, markings and other hints.
Things to consider when in the field and then, if necessary, describing the mystery bird to others.
1.) Look at the bird as much as possible and avoid trying to find it in a field guide. Often, the bird will be long gone by the time you get the book opened or even liberated from your pack or the back seat of your car. Instead, look as much as you can, take notes if so inclined, and then look at the book after you’ve had a satisfactory viewing of key features.
2.) Pay attention to the bird’s behaviour and habitat. Does it hop around on the ground or flutter from branch to branch? Is it in the middle of a field or sneaking around in the bushes? How does it fly? Powerful like a hawk or wimpy like a rail? Undulating like a northern flicker or straight to the target like a robin?
3.) Try for an idea of size and shape with a bird you a familiar with. Bigger or smaller than a robin? Larger than a crow? Slim like a swallow or chunky like an American dipper? Accurately judging size in the field can be surprisingly difficult, (especially when it involves close encounters with dangerous animals such as even the world’s smallest bear) but it can also be very helpful.
4.) What overall colour does the mystery bird have? Are there any patterns or areas with obvious colour? Does it display any colour on its rump, tail or wings? Does it have wing bars?
5.) If you can, observe the beak/bill. The beaks of birds are suited to their lifestyle and thus, often gives a very good clue of what species group this bird could belong to. Is it pointy like a warbler or thicker and triangular like a finch?
6.) Other patterns are often good clues as many birds have eye rings or other distinct markings on their faces and heads. Does it have streaks or spots on its breast?
7.) Try to see several field marks and not just rely on one to identify your head scratcher.
8.) The bird’s song or call can be very helpful so listen closely. Don’t be shy to try and imitate it when sharing with others. To birders, someone making “Keek! Keek!” sounds is not a sign of impending violent outbursts or something similarly unsettling.
Don’t worry if you don’t get a chance to implement all possible field marks to a bird you are looking at. Get what you can and go from there. Don’t get frustrated. Cussing at a bird to prompt the showing of more field marks just doesn’t work. Don’t ask how I know this fact.
Some birds you see, or often, just briefly and/or poorly see are just not meant to be identified beyond an educated guess at best. Someone who claims they can identify each and every bird they see each and every birding trip is someone worth meeting.
Get to know your field guide and where the bird families are located within it. Even better, study the book, focusing on the birds known to be in your area before heading out. That way, you’ll have an idea of what field marks to look for on birds that you’ll likely see on your trip. You’ll also be able to navigate quickly to the sparrow, warbler or waterfowl section depending on where you wish to go. Sticky notes cut small, labeled, and sticking out the top of your book can be handy to get to certain pages in a hurry.
Good luck and, most of all, have fun!
Things to consider when in the field and then, if necessary, describing the mystery bird to others.
1.) Look at the bird as much as possible and avoid trying to find it in a field guide. Often, the bird will be long gone by the time you get the book opened or even liberated from your pack or the back seat of your car. Instead, look as much as you can, take notes if so inclined, and then look at the book after you’ve had a satisfactory viewing of key features.
2.) Pay attention to the bird’s behaviour and habitat. Does it hop around on the ground or flutter from branch to branch? Is it in the middle of a field or sneaking around in the bushes? How does it fly? Powerful like a hawk or wimpy like a rail? Undulating like a northern flicker or straight to the target like a robin?
3.) Try for an idea of size and shape with a bird you a familiar with. Bigger or smaller than a robin? Larger than a crow? Slim like a swallow or chunky like an American dipper? Accurately judging size in the field can be surprisingly difficult, (especially when it involves close encounters with dangerous animals such as even the world’s smallest bear) but it can also be very helpful.
4.) What overall colour does the mystery bird have? Are there any patterns or areas with obvious colour? Does it display any colour on its rump, tail or wings? Does it have wing bars?
5.) If you can, observe the beak/bill. The beaks of birds are suited to their lifestyle and thus, often gives a very good clue of what species group this bird could belong to. Is it pointy like a warbler or thicker and triangular like a finch?
6.) Other patterns are often good clues as many birds have eye rings or other distinct markings on their faces and heads. Does it have streaks or spots on its breast?
7.) Try to see several field marks and not just rely on one to identify your head scratcher.
8.) The bird’s song or call can be very helpful so listen closely. Don’t be shy to try and imitate it when sharing with others. To birders, someone making “Keek! Keek!” sounds is not a sign of impending violent outbursts or something similarly unsettling.
Don’t worry if you don’t get a chance to implement all possible field marks to a bird you are looking at. Get what you can and go from there. Don’t get frustrated. Cussing at a bird to prompt the showing of more field marks just doesn’t work. Don’t ask how I know this fact.
Some birds you see, or often, just briefly and/or poorly see are just not meant to be identified beyond an educated guess at best. Someone who claims they can identify each and every bird they see each and every birding trip is someone worth meeting.
Get to know your field guide and where the bird families are located within it. Even better, study the book, focusing on the birds known to be in your area before heading out. That way, you’ll have an idea of what field marks to look for on birds that you’ll likely see on your trip. You’ll also be able to navigate quickly to the sparrow, warbler or waterfowl section depending on where you wish to go. Sticky notes cut small, labeled, and sticking out the top of your book can be handy to get to certain pages in a hurry.
Good luck and, most of all, have fun!
