19 Attendees
An excellent presentation was made by Dan Berard, which provided an opportunity for participants to use their bird guides to assist in identifying birds in photos submitted by RI photographers. Some pictures were of birds viewed from unusual vantage points, such as underneath, directly tail-on or partially obscured by leaves and branches. Many pointers were shared. Placing the bird in a general genera, and from there to more specificity, requires an initial estimate of size, type of beak, and location and season when photographed, as well as plumage color and patterns. For example, when the photographer had not identified the location where the photo was taken or a date, noting the type and state of vegetation in the picture, or the type of food the bird was consuming could help narrow down season and type of locale. The size of leaves, branches or twigs or other environmental clues can help gain an understanding of the relative size of the bird. Careful study of a photograph that does not conform to guidebook standards of a complete bird may reveal small clues to field marks or plumage that is not readily apparent in the photo. In addition, a photograph that captures a bird in motion, in mid-flight for example, reveals details of plumage that may not be noticed when the bird is viewed in motion in the field or from a distance, and certainly can capture behavioral moments of great interest or beauty that are fleeting.
An excellent presentation was made by Dan Berard, which provided an opportunity for participants to use their bird guides to assist in identifying birds in photos submitted by RI photographers. Some pictures were of birds viewed from unusual vantage points, such as underneath, directly tail-on or partially obscured by leaves and branches. Many pointers were shared. Placing the bird in a general genera, and from there to more specificity, requires an initial estimate of size, type of beak, and location and season when photographed, as well as plumage color and patterns. For example, when the photographer had not identified the location where the photo was taken or a date, noting the type and state of vegetation in the picture, or the type of food the bird was consuming could help narrow down season and type of locale. The size of leaves, branches or twigs or other environmental clues can help gain an understanding of the relative size of the bird. Careful study of a photograph that does not conform to guidebook standards of a complete bird may reveal small clues to field marks or plumage that is not readily apparent in the photo. In addition, a photograph that captures a bird in motion, in mid-flight for example, reveals details of plumage that may not be noticed when the bird is viewed in motion in the field or from a distance, and certainly can capture behavioral moments of great interest or beauty that are fleeting.
