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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Peewit" data-source="post: 3178526" data-attributes="member: 57492">An interesting question Debbie :gh:I have loved birds all of my life.  I think going out, and observing birds is the best way to get to know them as a species, and to get a knowledge of their calls, movements, and the habitats that they reside in.  :king:Simply a walk about on your own in a reserve drinking up the noises, and the movements of birds as they go about their daily business is a good way of connecting with bird life, and a way to help you ID birds.Like humans beings, each bird species has its own mannerisms, movements, calls, flight pattern, moving about its territory to watch and observe.  The mannersims of any bird will end up etched in your mind.  It gets to the point that you know by a simple movement, and a call... what bird you are looking at (with lots of practice)Being well equiped with binoculars, and a camera is a must too to get the best out of your experiences.  Only yesterday, I wished I had my camera when I saw 3 Male House Sparrows sitting huddled together on a branch - it would have made a super photo as they are rather cute little things.I do carry about a bird book on my travels, and other books depending on the time of the year.  The birds book for ID is a great tool to help you ID your birds by colouration of the body parts.  I have found through time that it is a last resort to check up when I am out and about :gh:Tips: The best way to learn is to buy yourself some good binoculars, walk about your area, and get to know your species.   Talk to other people about their experiences (they are plenty of people around in the bird world who love to talk birds).  Go for a bird tour with a guide in your area.  Another great way of learning your species,If you are not sure about a species you could draw a rough sketch to help you with remembering a species and keep notes for yourself to refer to.Looking at other peoples photos for ID's on this Forum, and test yourself if you know a species or not...is another way to find out your skills.  There are a few ways you can enhance your experiences, and you will find your own 'special' way of ID-ing birds before you know it.Enjoy yourselfRegardsKathyx</blockquote>

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