We are often asked by our customers to identify birds.  Many of you have brought in photos or videos to get our opinion about the birds in your yard.  The various owls and woodpeckers, 

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Pine Warblers, Eastern Towhee vs. Oriole

and of course House Finch vs. Purple Finch seem to lead the hard-to-ID pack.  Young birds make it even more difficult because many don't look like the adults, and many of the field guides don't include pictures of youngsters.  Adult tanagers and some warblers species molt their bright, breeding plumage at the end of the season and can be very confusing. Hummingbirds put on so much fat to migrate in the early fall and their body shape changes so drastically, they can look like a different species!  Bird ID can be tough!!!

Our best advice is to get familiar with your common backyard birds first.  Use good field guides such as the Sibley Field Guide to Birds of N. America, Peterson Field Guide to Birds of N. America or the new Crossley ID Guide - Eastern Birds. These guides cover adult and immature birds and have up-to-date range maps.  These maps are extremely beneficial to help eliminate confusing birds.  Also note bird behavior.  Where was it seen and what was it doing? For example, Towhees are usually found eating millet on the ground, scratching about, while Orioles prefer eating on fruit feeders or suet.

Also invest in a good pair of binoculars!  They don't have to be expensive, but get a waterproof pair with good clarity.  Bigger is not always better and more powerful is not always a good thing!  Most birders use a 7x, 8x or 10x binocular with a wide field of view and a fairly close focus.  Try different types to see what feels best to you.  Some prefer roof prisms, others porro prisms.  Stop by and we'll be happy to show you the difference!