Like all birders, I am driven by a desire to practice bird identification to the best of my ability. I’m no Martin Garner, and my birding career has seen its fair share of absolute howlers, but in the grand scheme of things I consider myself to be a reasonably competent bird identifier. Partly for this reason, I frequently respond to bird identification queries online, most commonly through the UK bird identification group on Facebook. The group’s premise is simple: members post photos (or sometimes sound recordings) of birds they have encountered but cannot identify, and ask other members of the group to help them out. For the most part, being a member of said group is a pleasurable experience: it is a rare space where my pedantry about bird identification is an asset rather than a source of cringe. And most of the time the group works well: members’ queries are usually answered efficiently and correctly.
Amsterdam: A Vibrant & Unforgettable City
Experience the vibrant and unforgettable city of Amsterdam! Discover its iconic canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. Explore world-renowned museums and neighborhoods, indulge in…