Waders, warblers and geese...

[Rainbowmum]

Please help......I have always struggled with ID'ing the waders, warblers and geese!! I don't mean the ones that are quite distinct but the ones that to the untrained eye might look quite similar to another species. Does anyone have any handy hints on ID that will help separate similar looking birds in these categories? No small feat I know!
I have taken to watching slide-shows on the gallery and see if I can improve my skills WRT this, so if you have any hints I may have a better chance of success!
Thanks xx

Louise xx

[badgerwatcher]

I always find a grown-up, and ask them!

[badgerwatcher]

Greenshank and green sandpiper always looked the same to me until I saw them together, and realized the difference in size. (Greenshank is bigger.) The size is something I can never judge through binoculars or telescope. I mean to memorise comparitive sizes, as that will provide a useful clue.

[Fourwings]

I can recommend the DVD guide to British Birds by Birdguides, its an excellent rescource and is great for sorting out those tricky confusion species in your head.
It shows both pictures, videos, distribution maps, and a wealth of information on all British species plus it also has their calls/songs on there, really useful when trying to ID warblers.

Have a look at this link.
DVD-ROM Guide to British Birds

[aeshna5]

Nothing beats seeing the birds in the field, though DVDs are certainly useful, best bet is to go out with a local RSPB/Wildlife Trust/local natural history society group- most are very friendly + helpful with expert members who''ll happily assist.

With the geese you can familiarise yourself with them in waterfowl collections. Good luck, it's always a thrill when you can successfully ID a new bird. Fungi are my problem- love looking at them, but apart from the really obvious ones, find them difficult.

[Rainbowmum]

Thanks guys for your suggestions

Louise x