SANParks.org Forums

Who can participate?
Only birders with less than 50% average at the ID challenges or anyone not ready to participate there.

What can everyone else do?
You are the ducks teaching the ducklings about the basics. Please help where you can and post new pics (easy ones) for ID.

Basic tip #1:


Are you ready?

*Edit*
Oops..... forgot!
Where do you send your answers?
Nowhere, post here what bird you think it is.

Ok i shall help where i can

here is a nice and easy one for you ducklings..

Jen you are a fast one!

One duckling present for the first lesson!

Batmad, you are mad, do you call that easy I must get that book! Not sure if I can find one with South African birds though

What if I get Roberts software? If it can be downloaded on-line it would be an idea. I will go and have a look on their web site.

I'm quick on the draw Micetta!

Go slow... have a look at the size and bill, that should narrow things down a bit.

What food do you think it eats?

Also have a look at the facial markings and the posture.

This birds facial markings are very distinct!

The smaller the more difficult I do not even know the family!

Eats insects and small seeds, maybe a tiny worm if he is lucky
A tit?

See the pointy bill? Insect eater.

jen- must i say where i found it?? make it a bit more easier??

Micetta- Dont worry! Me, Jen and all the other experianced birders on this forum will help you know your birds like the back of your hand! soon you will be outshinning us

Batmad, for me it is important to get the family right first, exactly which specie comes afterwards. I promise I will start studying... I do not know the names of the birds in english or in any other language apart from the most common ones or most rare ones. I even have a very foggy idea of the difference between the sparrow and the tit family not to talk about finches,
pipits, wagtails etc. *sigh*

@batmad

Micetta, you are on the right track!

When I started birding the hard part was getting down to the family. Seeing that you can only see the pic and not the bird, I think we should give you some pointers getting down to a range of families first.

A flycatcher or batis? A capped something with those markings?

A white browed Robin chat??

Flycatcher? Batis? I was gonna say White-browed Robin-chat just based on looking at pictures....no wonder I'm not a birder, I haven't a clue other than looking at illustrations....SOS...But I think I'll learn ALOT!! Great thread, and thanks for starting it.

You are on the right track.
Here are a few sites for you to check out.
http://www.birdlife.org.za/fieldguide/book/index.php
http://www.hardaker.co.za/
http://www.niall.co.za/Species/RobertsC ... cation.htm

Hi Africat!

I am a beginner and I managed to find out what is was following the advice!!! Keep it up MORE MORE MORE!