My New Year's Resolution: Improve My Birding Skills

I saw some wonderful birds last year. I hope you did too. Problem is, all too often I have to rely on other people to tell me what bird I just saw. I don't mind that, but I would like to be able to identify more of them for myself and help others identify the birds they see. I was pleased when on a walk through Fountain Creek Park early last year I noticed a grayish bird with a black spot on its head and a reddish color on its underbelly, and correctly ID'd it as a Gray Catbird. Now, Gray Catbirds are not uncommon; but I was not that familiar with them. Fortunately, our Christine pointed out their markings to me on a store bird walk a month or two earlier and I remembered them. I was proud of myself. Knowing what to look for makes bird watching more enjoyable for me. So, I resolve to improve my skills this year. Photo c. 2011 F. Dodge