Western Bird - 3 tips to help you identify the One With Accuracy

Western Bird - 3 tips to help you identify the One With Accuracy

A western bird flies through the garden, and it makes you all curious. It does not look like a bird, you've seen before. But what kind is it? What order it belongs to? 

Recognize species is hard for new and experienced birds alike. Different birds have different plumage, and these could change in spring, summer, winter, or between genders. Plus, birds molt - so do not feel too bad if you can not peg identity of each bird that flies by. Here are some tips to help you find out what is flying a little critter is in your backyard.

1. Explore the western bird.

Make it as discreet as you can. Work your way from the tip of its beak back and forth. Take note of the bird's size, color, shape and plumage. Pay attention to its food source, sounds, habitats and behavior. Take notes when you can. If you can not remember as many details as possible.

2. Do not look at your field guide yet.

Do not browse through your directory until you are dead sure that you fully know your bird. Birds tend to look alike. If you flip through your guide before you get to know your bird thoroughly, odds are you end up pointing to the wrong species.

3. When you look at your field guide, you should not sit on the first species you find.

Many birds call this the first page syndrome. If you are new to birding, you may be tempted to associate the first illustration, you look like "your" bird. It can not be. So, go over the instructions, look for the bird that resembles the one you saw, and then tick each one from your list by process of elimination.

Finally, do not forget to consider the western part of the bird's range. Birds - even migrant them - rarely found in areas not within their reach. So if you live in Chicago or anywhere near it, it's less likely you will see a reduced Tanager - it is summer Tanager, which thrive in the area. Easy peasy, is not it? Keep this last tip in mind - it will help you to eliminate the many birds on the instructions that looks just like the bird you just saw!