The parts of a bird and their names are shown in this illustration of a male chaffinch. These names should be used in describing a bird
Redstart male
Redstart female
Keeping Notes and Records
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Besides the all- important plumage details there are other aspects of the bird which need
to be considered in order to arrive at the right conclusion. Size is chief among these,
though it is difficult to assess even at close range. Whenever possible compare the
unknown bird with familiar species, which happen to be in the vicinity; similar
comparisons can be made when a field guide is consulted. The shape and posture of the
bird should be noted and can be made more meaningful by once again drawing
comparisons with known species. Has it a tall upright stance or a more horizontal
posture? How does it move when on, the ground or on the water? How does it fly? The
method of feeding and the type of food taken are further useful features. Sketches,
however rough, can often greatly assist the written description. Not so easily described
are details of call notes and song, but these may be critical in the identification procedure
and should not be neglected.
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The habit of taking notes should be developed at an early stage of one's birdwatching
career, as recorded items are essential if correct identifications of a high standard are to
be achieved, and this must be the aim of all birdwatchers. When confronted by an
apparently new bird, on no account whatsoever should a field guide be consulted as a first
step; this should wait until full details have been gathered. It is all too easy to mislead
oneself by hurriedly consulting a book before completing the observations of the bird in
question.
Plumage details form the bulk of one's notes. On occasions the opportunity will permit
these to be made in some detail; on others they will be scant, the bird moving quickly out
of sight and not retraced.
Whatever the situation one should relate the information to the named exterior features of
the bird. These are depicted in the introductory chapters to all good field guides and
above and should be learned. By referring to such parts as the, crown, nape, rump,
primaries, and so on, the description taken will be easy to compare with those in books,
and will facilitate consultation with experts when this is required. It is also useful when
sharing the information on forums and chat rooms.
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Some birdwatchers simply want to list the birds they see, in
computer programs like Bird Tick List Pro. You tick off the
birds as you spot them, and can easily add up your score at
the end of a year and print reports. Some of these lists have
extra columns so that you can record the date, weather,
habitat and other features of the bird you have spotted, thus
making more precise observations.
If you are looking for a new bird that you have never seen
before, or if you are making special observations of
particular birds, then you should make detailed notes. These
should include the date, time, place of observation and
weather (including wind direction) at the time; the habitat, the
size of the bird and any sound it is making; the identities,
numbers and sexes of any other birds in company with the
bird; plus a complete description and a drawing of the bird
labeling the various parts and their colours, together with any
comments on the bird's actions and anything else of interest.
At the end of the notes, you should add your conclusion of
the bird's identity if you think you have seen a new bird.
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One further piece of equipment is essential to good birdwatching and that is a notebook.
Many birdwatchers make rough notes of the birds they see at the time of observation, and
then enter up these notes into a computer program like Bird Tick List Pro to make a
permanent record and then analyse and review the information at a later date. Some
people prefer to speak their observations into a portable digital recorder instead of
making rough notes. This has the advantage that the birdwatcher's hands are left free to
hold binoculars, though it is still a good idea to carry a notebook in case a sketch of a bird
is required.
The purpose of taking notes and entering information into a computer may be no more
than to keep a diary of bird watching expeditions. It can then be a pleasure to look back at
the notes at a later time and recall exciting days spent birdwatching. Note taking may also
have a more serious purpose in providing proof of an unusual sighting for a bird society or
other bird organization.
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When a strange bird is observed, study it carefully making a mental note of all salient
features, for it may disappear quickly. Then transfer this formation immediately into the
notebook; if the bird conveniently remains in view each item can be checked and when
necessary expanded as the observations proceed. Never wait until you return home to
write up such notes, do it immediately in the field. If more than one person is present, it is
far better for each to make independent notes, a joint effort is a much more desirable
method than a single effort. One may notice a feature the other missed, while two or more
descriptions will confirm and amplify the observations and considerably assist a correct
identification.
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Purple Sandpiper
Ruff in winter plumage
