5 EXPERT Tips for Identifying Birds by Song!

Birding by ear is a valuable skill for birders to know. Here are 5 tips on how to hear the most birds while out in the field.

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Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera
Used for most bird videos) - check credits as we do source some photos/videos elsewhere which is noted in the description

Cayer FP2450 Fluid Head Tripod, 75 inches Aluminium Tripod
Derek's lighter tripod

Andoer Video Tripod Aluminum Alloy 67 Inch
Derek's heavier tripod

Nikon D5300
Derek's vlogging and macro camera

Rode VideoMicPro Compact Directional On-Camera Microphone
Derek's external microphone for Nikon D5300

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All bird calls by Jonathon Jongsma (CC by 3.0) except for the following

Wren on cover image and graphics by Gary Leavens (Edited)(CC by 2.0)

Common Yellowthroat image by Mike Budd (CC by 2.0)

Indigo Bunting image by Michael Schramm (CC by 2.0)

All other photos and videos by Derek and Ryan Sallmann

#Birding #BirdWatching #BadgerlandBirding

[nancywhite]

Thanks for showing me how to use other ways on my Merlin app.☺️

[RoyceMarcus]

Using Merlin's Sound ID (responsibly) was a game changer for me. It's very funny, in my backyard I can typically identify common birds fairly easily, but in a different environment, sometimes it takes me a moment. Walking around with the sound ID open has been a huge help in training the muscle memory.

It's just crazy the amount to keep in your head at any given time with the variety of call/songs birds make - especially when calls can be very similar. It's humbling to think about how luckily we are with technology where even a few years ago you'd have to listen to CDs to memorize.

[Pandacalifornia]

I will not accept a sound-only bird as a lifer, but I have identified some birds from sound. I recognized both the wrentit and purple finch sound before I was able to see it. My purple finch picture was terrible but I got at least the tail shape, and between that and the sound, that was comfortable enough for a lifer.

When I am comfortable enough with a sound and have enough experience with the bird in the field, I sometimes use sound for month and county lists and such, but my lifers are never sound-only.

[pauraque]

I am one of those ppl who calls out every bird I hear like it's a second language... but I can't describe them to other people to save my life.

Mom: What are we looking for again?
Me: Hooded Warbler
Mom: And what do they sound like???
Me: dodo 👆dodo 👆dODO 👉DAH 🫳 DA 👇do 🤏
Mom: Forget it -_-

[dbeachmawmaw]

Love the channel guys!!
Yes Derek, I have become very familiar with the Carolina Chickadees, Cardinals, Blue Jays, Tufted Titmouse and my Humming birds. All at my feeders off & on all day, every day here in Texas. I've even gotten to know the different calls & sounds of my Blue Jays. Saw a very young BlueJay yesterday, looked like Mom or Dad brought him to my feeders to show him where the good peanuts are! Lol
Thanks for great, fun videos!!

[OspreyFlyer]

I've birded for decades and my mentors were ear birders so I became one. I learned the songs, calls, chips the hard way - field trips, listening to bird songs on CDs & tapes, playing sounds on the internet after that came along. Regardless, the Merlin app Sound ID has completely changed birding for the better. Use that and a smartphone microphone if necessary. You'll learn identification so much faster. Beginners now have an incredible head start.

[douglaswetzel]

Merlin app is just awesome! So glad i have it, a real game changer.

[WhistlesToAnimals]

If you've been feeding birds in your yard and pay attention to them, you'll get familiar with lots of calls. But there are still species that don't visit my place, or not much at all. Bird cams will also get you familiar with lots of birds and their calls also. I go out to see some birds, but most of my bird enjoyment comes from my yard, or my roof, or my windows. I think you guys do the opposite: you leave your home and go out in the field more for your birding enjoyment.

[ddactar]

I may be the last person without a cell phone! :)

[MsDee_]

Your videos are the best 😊 Always learning something new that I can apply to my birding obsession 😊🐦
I usually do a lot of birding in my own backyard. Whenever I hear a bird I'm not familiar with I get excited and instantly go on the bird identification journey. I did use Merlin once for the "bird call identification" and it worked out nicely. I was close enough to my bird source for it to work easily 👍 Hope you and Ryan are having a nice summer !

[chickadeecentral]

Great video, very helpful for birders

[spideytheloser]

Very helpful vid, and love your shirt btw

[nathanwebb]

I can identify a Carolina wren by all the sounds it makes as well as the northern cardinal.

[purple-ergz]

Have you ever noticed within species slight differences in their calls? For example with blue jays or red wattles I find depending on their personality their calls are slightly different

[carolshannon]

Such a great video! Subscribe everybody!