This is the WORST way to identify a BIRD.

The best way to identify a bird is to look at the bird. The worst way is to look at the book. It's a mistake that most people make as they work to improve their identification skills

[AmyKing-rhsl]

Best few minutes on bird ID I have experienced

[kevinharding]

This is perhaps one of your best and most useful videos ever!! Thanks. I sometime see new birders looking at their phones and almost ignoring the bird.

[robertpayne]

you can tell when you're listening to someone who has studied a subject for quite a long time - Bob you're it! You have transformed my birding - thank you

[davearchbell]

Thanks Bob. That was really helpful. I'm going to look for those 4 field marks going forward.

[LesterMultimedia]

I take bird photos. My approach to to shoot first and ask questions later.

[StephenJStephen_Photography]

Wonderful and clear instruction on learning to "see" identifying field marks! Thank you Bob.

[twobicycles]

Excellent strategy and advice!! I've just moved to Europe and feel like a brand new birder with all of the unfamiliar species. This advice will serve me well!

[Whimbrel]

Great informative video! As always, thanks Bob! You have a unique way of communicating that mixes humor and knowledge. It’s a potent combination!

[peterjohnson]

Hey you have to start somewhere. I birded by myself using that National Audubon photo book. Talk about taking a long time to learn a little bit but truth be told I had a lot of fun. I still recall the thrill of IDing my first bird, Tufted Titmouse. After 20 + years I took the plunge and started going out with the local bird club in the county I live in. Walking & listening to people who knew their stuff was such a pleasure and my I D skills grew in leaps and bounds. If I knew now what I didn`t know then would I change the way I did it....hard to say. I love being out in the forest by myself but I do also love being a better birder. As long as you are outdoors and learning from nature it`s all good...thanks

[Mad_Ancient_Computer_AD]

For people wanting to learn some more helpful warbler field marks, I'd recommend the Warbler Guide. 10/10 book, includes super helpful pictures and guides to their songs, field marks, and even has a whole section on identifying them by undertail coverts.

[leobachand]

Great tips!!! We truly enjoy your videos!!

[ForbesPhoto]

Great teaching and excellent strategy!

[philipedwardcaddick]

I'm just starting birding but I have always been interested but this video has given me a good start. Thank you

[thechudson]

I’m not quite sure if this’ll bridge the generational gap (I’m 19), but if anyone is familiar I’d strategically approach this similarly to the game of “Guess Who?” (kid’s board game that was popular when I was growing up), in which you try to narrow the target down by identifying the commonly shared characteristics that only they specifically possess. Whether or not you get that reference this video is very helpful! I’ve been struggling trying to get into the hobby and this really clarified a few things for me, and so far is the probably the best entry video I’ve seen on the subject. Much appreciated

[HawkInTheLens]

Love the advice Bob! As someone who struggles with sparrow identification I am going to employ these tips to try and improve

[martinberg]

Well, I don't know why the algoritm wanted me to be able to identify birds, I have never showed any interest in that direction. But now I'm a lot better at it than before, thanks for that!

[davearchbell]

You do a great job at simplifying birding. Thanks.

[cliftonwhittaker]

Best way I've found is to make a picture for ID and then confirm it when I get home.

[LynneH-ejrx]

Another great video and advice. Thank you!

[jimeager]

Bob: I learned a general indication of warblers in habitats from Paddy Cunningham who runs the Everglades Birding Festival. If a warbler has wing bars, generally, it will be medium to high in the canopy. If no wing bars, generally, medium to low. Always an exception to that general rule.