Using knowledge and experience to identify American Wigeons.

American wigeon ducks (center and top).  Green-winged teal for comparison (bottom).

There are birds that I can identify immediately (I nail robins every time), there are birds I don't know at all, and then there are birds I may be able to name if I have enough time (a year is usually enough).  And then there are birds that I mix up.  For me, I used to mix up American wigeons and green-winged teals.

Although they look quite different, the reason was due to the green teardrop shape that starts at the eye and runs backward, curved to a point.  There are a hundred other differences, but that was the one that I seemed to focus on.  And therein lies the problem.  It's the similarities that allow you to group birds by type and the differences that allow you to tell them apart.  I had become accustomed to using a narrow band of criteria to aid in identification.

This is where two things come into play.  Experience and knowledge.  Experience can only be acquired over time and with dedication, while knowledge comes through learning from various sources.  I find the best teacher to be hanging out with experienced birders who can share both aspects with you.

I am no longer likely to mix up the two birds any longer, as I have attained knowledge and experience regarding this particular pair, but there are hundreds of other pairings where I lack the related attributes to properly discern the differences.  

It is important to be patient and kind to other birders, as we have all been without sufficient knowledge or experience at one time.  And, although I am much better than I was 20 years ago, I know that many others are that much farther ahead of me now.  In the end, everybody benefits, including the birds, because people who care about birds are those who will help them survive.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com