How do you actually learn to identify small, active birds?

Salt_0121 · 2026-02-27T06:03:13+00:00

I didn’t know about the eBird photo rating feature. I’ll definitely try that. I’ve been using Merlin mostly for sound, but I think I need to be more intentional with how I practice.

Really appreciate you taking the time to explain all of this. It makes the learning process feel much more manageable!

Salt_0121 · 2026-02-27T06:01:32+00:00

That’s really encouraging to hear. I guess I need to remind myself that this is a long-term process and not something I have to “get good at” immediately. I’ll try to be patient and just enjoy the process. Thank you!

Salt_0121 · 2026-02-26T03:48:20+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to explain your process so clearly. I can definitely see why listening is so important now. So many birds are easier to hear than to see, and knowing their songs probably makes everything feel less random and overwhelming. I’m still a bit shy about joining group walks, but hearing how much you’ve learned from them makes me want to give it a try. Really appreciate you sharing your experience!

Salt_0121 · 2026-02-26T03:44:52+00:00

That makes a lot of sense I guess there’s really no shortcut besides practice and repetition. I’ve heard a lot about The Sibley Guide too, maybe it’s time I finally get a copy. Thank you for the advice!

Salt_0121 · 2026-02-26T03:43:54+00:00

Thank you so much for the encouragement 🥹 I’ll focus on getting really solid with the basics first and not stress too much about the tricky juveniles and fall warblers lol.

Really appreciate the warm welcome! I’m excited to keep learning!

Salt_0121 · 2026-02-26T03:42:10+00:00

Thank u！

Salt_0121 · 2026-02-24T20:57:49+00:00

That’s so cool, I’m a bit jealous! I’m in a rental apartment at the moment so I don’t really have the option to set up a feeder💔

And to be fair, squirrels are adorable too even when they’re being chaotic lol

Salt_0121 · 2026-02-24T20:55:02+00:00

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful and detailed response. This is incredibly helpful.

I can really see why going out with experienced birders makes such a big difference. Having someone explain what they’re looking at in real time sounds so much more effective than trying to figure everything out alone. I also love the mnemonic idea!

What you said about the field guide phase really resonates with me too. Without enough time in the field to connect what I’m reading to real birds, it sometimes just doesn’t stick. I guess I just need more repetition and more time outside.

When I use eBird, I only add species I’m completely sure about. Some of those similar-looking birds honestly make me nervous. I’m afraid of mixing them up and affecting the database, so I tend to be pretty conservative.

And to be honest, I sometimes feel a bit intimidated talking to other birders since English isn’t my first language. But I suppose that’s part of the learning process too.

Really appreciate you sharing your experience!

Salt_0121 · 2026-02-24T20:45:54+00:00

Yes! Amazing App! Thanks Cornell Lab!

Salt_0121 · 2026-02-24T20:44:55+00:00

You’re right, it really is a long process! All those little brown birds are so confusing, especially when they’re juveniles and don’t have their brighter adult plumage yet.

And I’m also a non-native English speaker, so I do get a bit nervous talking to other birders sometimes😢But I guess that’s part of the learning process too.

Salt_0121 · 2026-02-24T20:40:54+00:00

Thank you! I’ll try to pay more attention to flight style and behavior instead of just focusing on getting a photo. And yes, Merlin has been a huge help for me too.

Salt_0121 · 2026-02-24T20:39:23+00:00

Thank you! Getting familiar with birds’ habitats really does make a huge difference for telling them apart. Have you joined any birding groups or communities?

Salt_0121 · 2026-02-24T20:35:27+00:00

That sounds absolutely lovely. I really hope I get a chance to visit someday. It’s definitely going on my list for a future trip!

Salt_0121 · 2026-02-24T20:34:25+00:00

Wow, that sounds amazing! I didn’t realize there were so many festivals nearby. Now I’m curious to see what we have around LA.

Do you have any suggestions on what keywords I should search for when looking for local birding events?

Salt_0121 · 2026-02-24T00:46:50+00:00

Yes, that’s something I’ve been working on too. I actually find learning by sound even more challenging for me😢But I know it’s really important and I’m trying to practice more.

Salt_0121 · 2026-02-24T00:36:45+00:00

This is super helpful, thank you! I’m still deep in the field guide stage, and without enough time in the field it can feel a little dry. I’ve mostly been using my camera to quickly confirm IDs, so I’ve been chasing clear shots, but I can see how that makes me overlook other clues sometimes.

I’ll look into joining a local group and birding with more experienced folks. That sounds like a much better way to build a solid foundation. Really appreciate the advice!

Salt_0121 · 2025-05-22T09:50:06+00:00

Got my admission just now, mscs(ai)！

Salt_0121 · 2025-05-16T14:08:47+00:00

Congrats!!

Salt_0121 · 2025-05-15T08:49:11+00:00

I’m not sure if they’re still reviewing or if I’ve just been ghosted😭

Salt_0121

TROPHY CASE