Thread by @NMNH, Throughout the week our Division of Birds will help mark the #SpringMigration [...]

Throughout the week our Division of Birds will help mark the #SpringMigration of our feathered friends.

Today they’re giving tips on how to get started as a birder—one of the fastest-growing hobbies—even while staying safe at home. #NatureNerding101

Where to begin your bird-nerd journey? All you need is a window. #DYK there are ~11K bird species? Look to the sky for raptors and down for sparrows. Passively observing nature is a great way to reduce stress too.

White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis). #NatureNerding101

Where to begin your bird-nerd journey? All you need is a window. #DYK there are ~11K bird species? Look to the sky for raptors and down for sparrows. Passively observing nature is a great way to reduce stress too. White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis). #NatureNerding101

Most birders use binoculars. “Binos” come in a range of magnifications stated as A x B, where "A" is the amount of magnification and "B" is the amount of light the lenses let in. The most popular configurations among birders are 8 x 42 and 10 x 42.

#NatureNerding101

Most birders use binoculars. “Binos” come in a range of magnifications stated as A x B, where "A" is the amount of magnification and "B" is the amount of light the lenses let in. The most popular configurations among birders are 8 x 42 and 10 x 42. #NatureNerding101

Field guides are very useful, so beginning birders should carry one. Looking at a bird and then a guide can help you learn which features to keep an eye out for. There are great apps and online tools too, like @MerlinBirdID and @inaturalist. #NatureNerding101

Do #CitizenScience! Upload your sightings to @Team_eBird's app and help researchers track the movement and distribution of

. It’s also a fun way to note your neighborhood species and compete with other bird-nerds.

One of our ornithologists logged 800+ birds in ONE year!

Do #CitizenScience! Upload your sightings to @Team_eBird's app and help researchers track the movement and distribution of . It’s also a fun way to note your neighborhood species and compete with other bird-nerds. One of our ornithologists logged 800+ birds in ONE year!

Now, how to identify a bird. It’s all about using your observations and location to narrow down the range of possibilities; pinpoint specific characters; and make an ID. Noting that a waterbird is NOT a duck is great start!

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) #NatureNerding101

Now, how to identify a bird. It’s all about using your observations and location to narrow down the range of possibilities; pinpoint specific characters; and make an ID. Noting that a waterbird is NOT a duck is great start! Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) #NatureNerding101

Bonus: if you see a bird soaring in the sky, it is most likely a hawk or a vulture. #NatureNerding101

Left

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)

Right

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaciensis)

Bonus: if you see a bird soaring in the sky, it is most likely a hawk or a vulture. #NatureNerding101Left Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)Right Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaciensis)

When birds are brightly colored, try to at least remember its most striking color. Pay attention to conspicuous color patches on its back or head, like the black stripes and yellow lores on this White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicolis). #NatureNerding101

Next, take some mental notes on the bird’s characteristics:

Overall color and pattern

Bill shape, color, and size

Leg color

Tail length and shape

: Bonaparte's gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia)

Next, take some mental notes on the bird’s characteristics:Overall color and patternBill shape, color, and sizeLeg colorTail length and shape: Bonaparte's gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia)

Is its

shaped like a

Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja)

Scissor-tailed flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus).

Long-tailed

(Clangula hyemalis).

In time you’ll be able to assess something birders call ‘gestalt:' the overall shape, posture, and proportions of a bird. Learning the gestalt of different species can help you to quickly identify common birds. Even in silhouette!

Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor)

In time you’ll be able to assess something birders call ‘gestalt:' the overall shape, posture, and proportions of a bird. Learning the gestalt of different species can help you to quickly identify common birds. Even in silhouette! Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor)

Cardinals give loud clear whistles and wrens make rolling musical warbles. Pay attention to common birds and their distinctive

.

Listen to this @MacaulayLibrary recording of a Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus), made by @NMNH's Jacob Saucier. https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/177810681