Twyla's Question:

John: I would like to become more adept at identifying birds by sound. Any tips for learning?

Twyla

Answer:

Twyla,

You're definitely right in thinking you'll ID more birds if you become familiar with calls; so many species, especially warblers, sparrows, and other songbirds, are so small and secretive that it's very difficult to see them long enough to make a positive identification.

	Sam Fried Sam FriedSam Fried has seen and photographed almost all North American birds. Meet Sam Previous Answers

One of the very best first steps is to purchase a cassette tape or CD of bird songs. These can be found in most any larger bookstore, or some of the national bird food chain stores, such as Wild Birds Unlmited. I prefer a cassette tape because I can listen to it in my truck while driving down the road; it's also possible to take a walkman-style outfit right into the field, listen to a few calls, and then start walking and listening to what's around you.

Be sure to review the list of species included on each tape or CD and make sure they're birds native to the state or region or habitat type (northern forests, southern forests, and grasslands, for example) you're going to be in. And definitely listen to the calls beforehand, either at home or (as I often do) in your vehicle. Get familiar with a few of them before you hit the field.

One more important point about locating birds by their calls: A good deal of the more sought-after birds sing to proclaim their breeding territory, which means they sing most actively in spring and early to mid-summer. This is the prime time of year to be listening — migratory warblers and other species have returned, selected a mate and are preparing to nest.

Good luck, and let me know what you hear!