Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main Photography Discussion
Bird Field guide
Page 1 of 3 next> last>>
Apr 28, 2018 12:44:48   #
crphoto8 Loc: Anaheim, California
 
I've taken more and more bird images over the last few years especially on trips. The next step was to identify the birds, so I have the Audubon and California iOS apps. I was able to identify several birds in my backyard and nearby locations (Orange County, California) but it wasn't easy. I want a hard copy field guide; Google lists quite a few and there are sites that will grade them.
My question to our knowledgeable UHH members is - what do you recommend, what works for you?

Reply
Apr 28, 2018 13:14:27   #
rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX
 
The David Allen Sibley guide is popular.
He has several books so be sure you get the field guide if you go that way.

Reply
Apr 28, 2018 13:17:04   #
Phil Alkon
 
As a birder and wildlife biologist, I highly recommend, David Sibley's "The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America" published by Knoph. Also, contact the Cornelll Lab of Ornithology for on-line references, including their "Merlin" guide. Local Clifornia Aydybob and other birding groups will also help you out. Happy birding!

Reply
 
 
Apr 28, 2018 13:33:35   #
unlucky2 Loc: Hemet Ca.
 
And use the Flicker "Bird Identification" groups for confirmation.

Reply
Apr 28, 2018 15:51:02   #
BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA
 
crphoto8 wrote:
I've taken more and more bird images over the last few years especially on trips. The next step was to identify the birds, so I have the Audubon and California iOS apps. I was able to identify several birds in my backyard and nearby locations (Orange County, California) but it wasn't easy. I want a hard copy field guide; Google lists quite a few and there are sites that will grade them.
My question to our knowledgeable UHH members is - what do you recommend, what works for you?

I agree that Sibley is probably the best, but there are several others out there that are excellent. Layout, classification, indexing and quality of illustrations are important factors. Others have their own favorites. I used to carry four or five with me.

Reply
Apr 28, 2018 17:16:31   #
Katydid Loc: Davis, CA
 
The National Geographic bird guide has been traveling along with me for many more years than I am willing to admit. Sibley's is nice for experts or as a companion guide. Lucky for me, Mr Katy carries it along for himself.

Reply
Apr 29, 2018 00:21:53   #
pmorin Loc: Huntington Beach, Palm Springs
 
You mention two apps you have used but not with good luck. Try the Cornell Labs Merlin app. You only need put in a photo if you have captured one. It will also walk you through id characteristics pertaining to what you have seen, but not been able to photograph.
But to your question, I use the natgeo book also.

Reply
 
 
Apr 29, 2018 01:02:19   #
BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA
 
Peterson's is also an excellent book.

Reply
Apr 29, 2018 06:01:27   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
crphoto8 wrote:
I've taken more and more bird images over the last few years especially on trips. The next step was to identify the birds, so I have the Audubon and California iOS apps. I was able to identify several birds in my backyard and nearby locations (Orange County, California) but it wasn't easy. I want a hard copy field guide; Google lists quite a few and there are sites that will grade them.
My question to our knowledgeable UHH members is - what do you recommend, what works for you?


Merlin is a free phone app and almost as comprehensive as the iBird and Sibleys apps. And it has a recognition feature that will take a really good guess at a bird that you can't ID on your own.

Reply
Apr 29, 2018 06:18:31   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
crphoto8 wrote:
I've taken more and more bird images over the last few years especially on trips. The next step was to identify the birds, so I have the Audubon and California iOS apps. I was able to identify several birds in my backyard and nearby locations (Orange County, California) but it wasn't easy. I want a hard copy field guide; Google lists quite a few and there are sites that will grade them.
My question to our knowledgeable UHH members is - what do you recommend, what works for you?


I use the waterproof fold out guides for the regions I am visiting. Lite weight, fits in my back or hip pocket. Good quick guide.
quickreferencepublishing.com

Reply
Apr 29, 2018 07:29:16   #
mborn Loc: Massachusetts
 
Stokes guide to western birds. Shows actual photos with various plumages. I use the Eastern guide

Reply
 
 
Apr 29, 2018 07:39:30   #
NormanTheGr8 Loc: Racine, Wisconsin
 
pmorin wrote:
You mention two apps you have used but not with good luck. Try the Cornell Labs Merlin app. You only need put in a photo if you have captured one. It will also walk you through id characteristics pertaining to what you have seen, but not been able to photograph.
But to your question, I use the natgeo book also.


Excellent app photo id works great and is improving with each pic it id's

Reply
Apr 29, 2018 07:45:32   #
rplain1 Loc: Dayton, Oh.
 
I prefer Sibley for its layout. I have both the Eastern and Western as well as the one that covers all. Also have a Petersons but don't use it as much.

Reply
Apr 29, 2018 07:45:46   #
ad9mac
 
I'll second Stokes Birds.
Photos of them. Got my copy at......Lowes. Yes the home improvement store last year.

Reply
Apr 29, 2018 07:51:56   #
Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio
 
Gene51 wrote:
Merlin is a free phone app and almost as comprehensive as the iBird and Sibleys apps. And it has a recognition feature that will take a really good guess at a bird that you can't ID on your own.


+ 1000 I use this app and it almost always (like 95% of the time) ID's my bird.

Reply
Page 1 of 3 next> last>>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.