Become a Birder
Thank you to the Friends of Coastal SC for this activity.
Explore a trail, your neighborhood, your backyard, or even just out your
window. Studies have shown that connecting with nature can provide stress
relief, reduce anger, calm fears, and boost your mood.
Here are some important clues to look for as you learn to identify birds:
1.) Size and Shape: The combination of size and shape is one of the most powerful tools to
identification. Though you may be drawn to watching birds because of their wonderful colors or
fascinating behavior, when it comes to making identifications, size and shape are the first pieces of
information you should examine. With just a little practice and observation, you’ll find that
differences in size and shape will jump out at you.
2.) Behavior: Bird species don’t just look unique, they have unique ways of acting, moving, sitting,
and flying. When you learn these habits, you can recognize many birds the same way you notice a
friend walking through a crowd of strangers
3.) Color and Pattern: As soon as you spot a bird, your eyes take in the overall pattern of light
and dark. And if the light allows, you’ll probably glimpse the main colors as well. This is all you
need to start your identification.
4.) Habitat: A habitat is a bird’s home, and many birds are choosy. Narrow down your ID list by
keeping in mind where you are.
Read more about bird ID and find guides to help you identify birds at:
www.allaboutbirds.org/building-skills-the-4-keys-to-bird-identification/
Download an App to help with bird ID
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/merlin-bird-id-by-cornell-lab/id773457673
Share Your Findings with our friends at the Sewee Center/Friends of Coastal SC
Send us pictures and let us know how your birding experience went at
www.Facebook.com/sccoastalfriends!
Follow Us!
facebook.com/sccoastalfriends/
@FrndsofCoastlSC
@FrndsofCoastlSC
Friends of Coastal South Carolina
PO Box 1131 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465
www.sccoastalfriends.org
843-697-7535
How Big? _____________
Beak Color: ___________
Beak Shape: ___________
Feather colors: _________
Leg/Feet color: _________
Where was it? __________
How many? _____________
How Big? _____________
Beak Color: ___________
Beak Shape: ___________
Feather colors: _________
Leg/Feet color: _________
Where was it? __________
How many? _____________
How Big? _____________
Beak Color: ___________
Beak Shape: ___________
Feather colors: _________
Leg/Feet color: _________
Where was it? __________
How many? _____________
How Big? _____________
Beak Color: ___________
Beak Shape: ___________
Feather colors: _________
Leg/Feet color: _________
Where was it? __________
How many? _____________
Explore a trail, your neighborhood, your backyard, or even just out your
window. Studies have shown that connecting with nature can provide stress
relief, reduce anger, calm fears, and boost your mood.
Here are some important clues to look for as you learn to identify birds:
1.) Size and Shape: The combination of size and shape is one of the most powerful tools to
identification. Though you may be drawn to watching birds because of their wonderful colors or
fascinating behavior, when it comes to making identifications, size and shape are the first pieces of
information you should examine. With just a little practice and observation, you’ll find that
differences in size and shape will jump out at you.
2.) Behavior: Bird species don’t just look unique, they have unique ways of acting, moving, sitting,
and flying. When you learn these habits, you can recognize many birds the same way you notice a
friend walking through a crowd of strangers
3.) Color and Pattern: As soon as you spot a bird, your eyes take in the overall pattern of light
and dark. And if the light allows, you’ll probably glimpse the main colors as well. This is all you
need to start your identification.
4.) Habitat: A habitat is a bird’s home, and many birds are choosy. Narrow down your ID list by
keeping in mind where you are.
Read more about bird ID and find guides to help you identify birds at:
www.allaboutbirds.org/building-skills-the-4-keys-to-bird-identification/
Download an App to help with bird ID
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/merlin-bird-id-by-cornell-lab/id773457673
Share Your Findings with our friends at the Sewee Center/Friends of Coastal SC
Send us pictures and let us know how your birding experience went at
www.Facebook.com/sccoastalfriends!
Follow Us!
facebook.com/sccoastalfriends/
@FrndsofCoastlSC
@FrndsofCoastlSC
Friends of Coastal South Carolina
PO Box 1131 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465
www.sccoastalfriends.org
843-697-7535
How Big? _____________
Beak Color: ___________
Beak Shape: ___________
Feather colors: _________
Leg/Feet color: _________
Where was it? __________
How many? _____________
How Big? _____________
Beak Color: ___________
Beak Shape: ___________
Feather colors: _________
Leg/Feet color: _________
Where was it? __________
How many? _____________
How Big? _____________
Beak Color: ___________
Beak Shape: ___________
Feather colors: _________
Leg/Feet color: _________
Where was it? __________
How many? _____________
How Big? _____________
Beak Color: ___________
Beak Shape: ___________
Feather colors: _________
Leg/Feet color: _________
Where was it? __________
How many? _____________