basics for beginning birders - texas master...

Basics for Beginning Birders

Presented by:

Tim Siegmund, TPWD

Equipment • Good Binoculars

– Magnification

– Objective Size

– Coatings

– WEIGHT!!

• Field Guide – Sibley’s, Peterson’s, National Geographic, etc.

• Journal or other Recording Device – Helps with life lists, can observe seasonal movements

• Dull Colored Clothing – Bright clothing can make some birds jumpy

• Water

• Building a Search Image – LET’S PRACTICE!!

Search Image

Who Was It?

Who Was It?

Who Was It?

Birding

It’s all in the Details

• Unknown Bird??? – Find unique

markers • Bill/beak

shape

• Feather color

• Leg color

• Tail shape

• Flight pattern

• Foraging behavior

• Habitat

Beaks/Bills

Feather Color and Color Location

Leg Color

Silhouettes

Flight Patterns

Birding by Ear

• Resources

– Books

– Software (Thayer, Cornell, etc)

– Tapes and CD’s

• Hear More

– Document more Species

– Can be limited by personal range of hearing

• Increased Appreciation

Bird Song Test

• 10 Common Birds to Milam County

Questions?