The student should study the field guide carefully and note the characteristics that distinguish the major groups from each other and what particular field marks will help make species distinctions. Unique field marks of a species that are not found in any other species should be identified and if possible memorized. Many birds can be eliminated in the identification process just by learning the geographic distributions. At first, identifying birds in the field may seem impossible but in only a few days the student will notice very few birds that cannot be named immediately. Upon completion of all the requirements for this class the student will be knowledgeable about the amazing biology of birds and will be able to confidently identify birds in the field.
Some people find the study of birds and birding a lifelong fascination and hobby.
Others are just pleased to be able to identify birds when they are in nature. I hope you will enjoy this class. Many of my past students have been hooked on birding and have continued birdwatching and observing birds long after the course. If this happens to you I will have my reward. There are two aspects to this course that must be satisfied for completion of the requirements.