Birds appear when food is near
March 24, 2002

What attracts people to birds? Many of the most noted naturalists are excellent birders, and indeed an interes in birds started their careers. Certainly anyone who feeds birds knows how intriguing are the variety of shapes, colors and movements of different kinds of birds and how watching them makes more enjoyable that morning cup of coffee.

Maybe it's that so many birds are diurnal, or daytime active, like us. Also, they are relaltively bold, allowing us to often view them clearly (seemingly to realize how much faser and more mobile they are than us). This is in contrast to so many of the mammals, which are nocturnal in habit and usually evidenced only by tracks and other signs.

As people become interesed in birds a desire often develops to learn to identify the different species. In Wisconsin it is easily possible to see 200 species in a year and with much effort 300 species. More than 800 species have been seen in the United States, providing a nearly endless stream of fascination. There are opportunities to see birds wherever you go and always something new to discover. Perhaps that is why the interest in birding as a hobby is growing so rapidly. Add to that the bonus that so little expense is required, all that is needed to begin are binoculars and a field guide.

So how do you start sorting out all those different brds? It's not as hard as you may think. In viewing a "new" bird, note the size, shape and color. Sometime's it's good to actually "note" these things, as in writing them down because birds are notorious for leaving just when you have your nose in your field guide trying to figure out where to sart. what color is the bird---one basic field guide is arranged primarily by color. Many people are familiar with some of the common birds--compare the unknown bird with one already known. Does the bird look like a duck or heron or gull or woodpecke? Was it bigger or smaller than a house sparrow or robin or crow? Is its posture like that of a familiar bird? Did it seem familiar in its actions? these can offer important clues to get one to the right part of the field guide.

From there it comes down to what are called "field marks"--those special characteristics which in combination are unique to the species. They range from the color of the birds legs, length of the bill, presence of a light colored "eye ring," a crest on the head, to the shape of the tail. in addition the bird's song is an audible "field mark!"

Birding is a source of never ending discovery and fun that can be enjoyed by all. if ou want help getting sarted, an introductory identification class is being offered at the Nature Center beginning Tuesday (March 26) at 7 p.m. For fees and other information, call the center at (920) 793-4007.