Education / Interpretation
Marsh Wren Centennial Wetland
Blue Heron Trails Project
Birding 101

Birding Basics

Birding is FUN! Have you ever been outdoors hiking, or even mowing, and a bird caught your interest, whether for it's song or stealing your pets food? Often times you may see or hear birds and wish you knew how to tell them apart. The trick to learning birds is rather easy: start simple.

Start by using both your eyes and ears, since you will often hear a bird before you see it. Once you locate a bird, take note on what it looks like and any special markings that make it different than other birds. After you have a good idea of what the bird looks like, pay special attention to the size. Many birders pick a bird they are very familiar with, such as a robin, and then use that as a base to compare against. Is the bird larger or smaller than a robin? Now that you have a good description of your bird...time to hit the books! There are many different field guides available for purchase or at your local library to use as a reference, or you can purchase computer CD-Rom software. Use what works best for you. Each book and program can help you, and it is a very individual preference what works best for your learning style. Or better yet, get involved with a local birding group! There are many groups in the area that go bird-watching year-round, and it is a great way to meet people with similar interests.

To help you get started on your new bird-watching hobby, below is a diagram of a basic bird outline showing the different parts to look for special markings or colors. Remember, not all birds will have all markings.

Basic Bird Diagram (pdf)

...More Helpful Hints...

Which is the best field guide to use? Frankly, it really is individual preference. There are literally shelves of field guides available for purchase, and each guide has its strengths and weaknesses. Some use photos, others use renderings. Some describe locations, others describe behaviors. In order for a field guide to remain portable in the field, something has to be left out...otherwise it becomes a reference shelf book (and there's plenty of those too!). The best thing to do is go to a local bookstore, browse through the different guides, and choose one that makes sense to you. Another high tech option in addition to a field guide are CD bird programs for your computer. These programs offer many options such as vocal sounds of each bird, maps, photos, and species descriptions.

Who was that masked bird!? Is there someone who can help me?? Yes! There is plenty of help available to learn your birds. One of the best ways to learn birds is to actually go out with experienced birders. You'll find that birders love to share information and their passion for wildlife. If you do not know a birder, you can look into your local Audubon or Sierra Club group, or any nature preserve or refuge with docent led tours. The guides are often very knowledgeable with birds, or someone in the group will be.

Do I really need binoculars? Having binoculars in the field is definitely an advantage to watching birds and properly identifying them since you normally cannot get too close before they fly away. There are many types of binoculars, ranging anywhere from $30 to $1200, so choose one that fits your budget and commitment. Most people start with a modest pair, and later invest in ones with superior optics as they become more serious about birding. Many birders also invest in spotting scopes (compact telescopes), which come in much higher magnification power to compliment their binoculars.

If I could only get a little closer.... Stop!! Many birds are very sensitive to disturbance, especially if they are nesting. Remember, you are a guest in their home. Please keep a respectful distance so everyone may enjoy our feathered friends. See "Do I really need binoculars?" above.

For a listing of species and seasonal variance at Stone Lakes NWR, please see the Bird & Other Species List page. For tours and when we are open, see Docent Guided Hikes or Guided Paddle Trips page.