ZION, BRYCE CANYON, CEDAR BREAKS Birds of Zion, Bryce and Cedar Breaks

THE BIRDS OF ZION, BRYCE, AND CEDAR BREAKS

USE OF BOOK

In preparing this booklet on birds, it was decided to direct it primarily toward the beginning bird student, because most of the visitors to this region who are interested in birds are in this class. To the newcomer in the field of bird identification, the study of ornithology is usually somewhat confusing. Not only do birds of several species seem at first glance to look alike, but their songs and call notes present a bewildering array of sounds. Thus, in an attempt to limit the field of study, only the most common species have been selected for this publication. To accomplish this end, only 100 bird descriptions are included, and these are restricted to those species that are more or less commonly encountered. Over seventy other species, known to occur in the region, have been included only in the check—list in the back of the booklet, because of the infrequency in which they are seen. The field mark descriptions have been reduced to include only those colors and markings that are immediately apparent to the eye. Something of the way each bird acts, as well as where it is usually seen, has been included. It is believed that if the bird student will follow the simplest of rules, as suggested below, no difficulty will be experienced in identifying the major portion of the birds seen.

It is the writer's experience that the identification of any bird should he based primarily upon four factors. Named in order of importance, these are:

1. GENERAL COLOR SCHEME.

It is a mistake to puzzle endlessly in the field over minor color markings. Only in a few instances are these minor markings likely to be essential in the final identification of the bird. Instead, one should try to obtain an impression of the general color pattern of the bird (whether generally black, gray, yellow, etc.), plus one or two other outstanding color markings, if such are present.

2. SIZE AND SHAPE.

The size of the bird should be gauged in comparison to some familiar type, such as robin size, sparrow size, etc. Shape is often very important. The bird may have long or short wings and legs, a plump or slender body, or some outstanding feature about its bill.

3. WHERE SEEN.

This is naturally very important. A water bird or ground bird isn't often seen in a tree. Many species of birds prefer the bushes to the tree tops, while others like the "middle zone" between the ground and tree-top height. This factor may go far in helping to determine what bird is being observed.

4. INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BIRD.

Often the manner in which a bird acts or flies will definitely place him in one family or another. For example, few birds, other than woodpeckers, have a bounding flight. Towhees have a habit of diving into a bush instead of flying straight into it. Wrens frequently bob and dip upon alighting. These are only a few examples of characteristics valuable for field identification.

With the above factors in mind, it is hoped that the color key designed for this booklet will be of value in helping to identify the bird by limiting the number of possibilities, while the (descriptive text and short discussion will furnish the rest of the material needed for complete identification.