Identifying Birds....

[welshgold]

Hi,

I've started taking bird pics at our local park and before I put the pics onto my web site I need to know exactly what their names are. I have 2 bird books (Collins Complete British Birds by Paul Sterry & Bird by Peter Hayman & Rob Hume) both great books but I'm still a bit confused on the identifying bit...putting names to faces lol.



I know this is a gull - but could someone tell me what type please (didn't know there so many types!) and preferably their 'proper names' too
Thanks in anticipation
Graham

[RoyW]

Hi Graham,

This is a Herring Gull, Larus argentatus argenteus.

I would also suggest that you try and put any future bird ID reguests in the 'British Birds' forum - that forum often has more people viewing it that the photography one so you may get quicker replies!

Roy.

[welshgold]

Originally Posted by RoyW

Hi Graham,

This is a Herring Gull, Larus argentatus argenteus.

I would also suggest that you try and put any future bird ID reguests in the 'British Birds' forum - that forum often has more people viewing it that the photography one so you may get quicker replies!

Roy.

Thanks a lot Roy for that info, any other queries I may have then I'll go to the british birds forum
Cheers
Graham

[Cazzie]

My 'bible' is the RSPB Complete Birds of Britain and Europe (by Rob Hume again) - it's all I've ever needed to ID birds

Oh.... and plus the wonderfully knowledgeable peeps on here of course!!!!

Super shot of the Gull btw!

[big bill]

Hello Graham I use the Collinas book that you use as well its a good book to use and any that I get stuck with I post into the Birds Forum for Id to get Id you get a better response there

[jonnyblades]

i found the biggest joy in identifying birds, by calls! get yourself a calling bird sound cd and learn the calls!

gone are the days of my binos, plus you often hear birds before you see them and sometimes you hear them and never see them! its a excellent way to i.d them. one example is the easiest, a nightjar! or an barn owl.........

[Cellarman]

The Collins eGuide, which is used on a PDA, is very good too. Not only do you get the excellent illustrations from the book, but the calls and a log too.

Have a look here: http://www.wildsounds.com/redrawpage.../pages/egd.htm

[diggleken]

Hi Welshgold, welcome to WAB.
Although books are great and its good to learn from them besides in the field, if you are fairly new to birds, it can be tough as experience , sometimes over many decades, cannot be beaten.
As has been said above, I would put them on WAB for ID first, there are many good experienced birders on here.
Cheers
Ken

[smartie]

Hello and welcome. Can't usefully add to the advice others have given you, except that if you are going to ID birds I wouldn't start with gulls. There are so many variants in the juvenile plumage that you'll be constantly scratching your head.

[jonnyblades]

Originally Posted by Cellarman

The Collins eGuide, which is used on a PDA, is very good too. Not only do you get the excellent illustrations from the book, but the calls and a log too.

Have a look here: WildSounds

thanks for the link!!