[wisb] Re: Warbler Quiz/using photos to ID
- From: Seth Cutright <ferruginous.hawk82@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: jenthreat@xxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 21 Aug 2012 11:34:53 -0500
Hello All,
I would agree that we do kind of go into overkill, so I decided to add
my two cents and the stoping over killing it. The quality and bad
angles don't always make for a good quiz bird. Yes the point is that
it is an odd angle so what are you seeing. But at least for me, if I
saw that same bird in the field at that same angle I could probably ID
it.
Compared to a photo, the real in person bird you have how it moves
(even if seen badly or in not great light or far away), you have
movement, you can see what the bird is like, you can compare it to
other birds around it, the colors are real, and it is or can be easier
to ID in the field because of the experience of viewing it live.
Compare this to a photo. It is flat (although photos can show
backgrounds, and make things look 3D it is still flat, although
digital photographing has come a long way and this is not seen a lot
or as much. You don't see the movement. That to me takes away a lot.
Then probably the main problem I have is that the photos are too
close. Most photographers, including myself, if you want a nice sharp
image like to zoom all of the way in, and then when editing photos,
crop really close. While that makes a good to great photograph that
makes it hard on quiz birds. When cropping up close happens, it is
hard to determine size. So I feel a nice close photo, with one not
zoomed in or cropped really close would work the best. This is what
you see in the field, if after all it is to show what you see in the
field....You can look at other birds, so zoom out a little and show
other birds or objects around the quiz bird too. This will give one
an idea of how big the bird is....it can also teach people, does this
bird like to travel with others or is it a lone bird....not always
helpful but something to think about. But the main reason not to crop
really close would be to show both size of the bird, and can also so
habitat the bird is in. That can be helpful for learning about birds
too.
Anyways just some thoughts from me.
-Seth Cutright
West Bend Area,
Ozaukee County.
On Tue, Aug 21, 2012 at 10:51 AM, Jennifer Ambrose <jenthreat@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> I think that in SOME instances, photos won't be that helpful in determing
> an ID of a bird, depending on the quality, angles and light of the photo.
> In the case of empids, everything I've read said that most IDs can not be
> assured without hearing the voice. *Sometimes, * the amount of debate that
> goes on based purely on photos seems to be overkill/a waste of time.
> However, a clear, close up photo of a bird that doesn't resemble a lot of
> other species can be very helpful. Using photos and comparing them to my
> guides is how I learned to ID many birds.
>
> Jennifer
> Milwaukee Cty
> On Aug 21, 2012 6:41 AM, "Al Schirmacher" <alschirmacher@xxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>> While I enjoy warbler quizzes (far more than empid quizzes!), this series
>> of photos brings a discussion point to mind:
>>
>> * Relying on photos as the ultimate identification tool is nearly as
>> fraught with peril as a written description.
>>
>> Yet it is so tempting!
>>
>> Al Schirmacher
>> Columbus, WI temporarily
>> Princeton, MN again next week
>>
>> PS Many thanks to Wisbirders for their recommendations, directions and
>> encouragement during my return to Wisconsin. Had the opportunity to get
>> away on occasion to a variety of spots from Horicon to Madison, resulting
>> in 100+ birds and 30+ butterflies, including a life bird, two state birds
>> and six year birds. Mom passed yesterday, anticipate returning to
>> Minnesota Sunday.
>>
>> Special thanks to Peter Fissel, he's a trooper!
>>
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>
>
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