| ID Training Center |
A Study Guide for New Birders
and
Experienced Birders
Seeking a Refresher Course.
Keith F. Saylor
A special note of thanks to Bruce Bowman
for his consultation in building this page.
Please visit Bruce's informative site at:
Bruce's Website
- Read the Article: "Building Birding Skills: Keeping Field Notes."
- Open the "Bird Topography Study Image"
and acquaint yourself with the field marks
and their definitions.
- Once you are proficient with the Quiz Image
open the "Bird Topography Questionnaire
Quiz." This interactive quiz prompts
you with field mark definitions and you must
type in the correct corresponding field mark.
- Once you've mastered the field marks you
are ready for the Bird Identification Quizzes.
- To use the Bird Identification Quizzes effectively
don't just open one and start guessing the
bird names. I suggest this approach:
- Bring your Bird Field Guide to the computer
table along with a notepad and a pencil.
- While pretending you are on a bird outing
in the field, open the first "Perching
Birds" quiz.
- When you come to a bird you are uncertain
of or do not know, start by focusing on the
birds distinguishing field marks. Study these
field marks and write them in your notepad.
Then, with your field guide, find the bird
using your field notes only. This is a great way to apply your field mark
knowledge. Believe me, this exercise will
prove invaluable when you are really in the
field!
- Use the same process with the other Bird
Identification quizzes.
- This process is "tried and true."
I've used it with my children and delighted
in their progress. As time passes everything
becomes "second nature" and you'll
have a sound foundation for field study.
- I enjoy this exercise myself. I often return
to it in the winter season to keep my skills
sharp.
It is my hope all will find this part
of our website useful and fun.
Enjoy!!
Note: I've sought to make sure all pictures
used in the quizzes come from sources that:
- Allow use of photos for non-commercial use.
- Grant free usage.
- Granted me permission to use their photos.
- If I've used a photo inappropriately, please
let me know and I'll not use it on the web
site.
- If you have any photos you'd like to donate
to this project, please email them to me
at:
- ksaylor@northbirding.com
- They would be greatly appreciated.
About the Identification Quizzes
The quiz area is divided into 7 sections
that divide birds into specific categories
as those found in the Peterson Field Guide.
There are 3 types of quizzes in each section.
1. Matching Exercise: This exercise asks you to match the name
of the bird with the bird's photo. This exercise
scores your results.
2. Flash Card Exercise: This exercise simulates flash cards. It
first displays a photo of a bird. You then
guess as to the common name of the bird.
There is no scoring in this exercise.
3. Short Answer Quiz: This is the hardest of the three quiz types
as you must not only know the species by
its photo but also how to spell the common
name correctly. This means the full common
name. There are no allowances at all even
the down to the hyphens. For example: Red-shouldered
Hawk. This quiz is scored as in the matching
exercises.
Have fun!!!
Acknowledgments:
Dan Sudia: Photo Gallery of Southeastern U.S. Birds
Many of the photos used in the tests are
from Dr. Sudia's website.
Peter May: Emeralda Journal
Peter gave us permisson to use his warbler
photos in the warbler tests.
www.Northbirding.com
Keith F. Saylor
Website Admin
ksaylor@northbirding.com
Please email me with your comments and suggestions
on the content of this webpage.
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