Birding on the web.

Many of us want to know what that bird looks like whenever we hear a name like Indian Crow or Cock of the Rock. I strive to show you as many of the different birds and feathers as I possibly can but it?s difficult without stealing pictures from various websites. I?d rather not do that so I?ll try and explain some of the things I do to find a picture of almost anything.

Which direction you go depends on what type of specimen you are looking for. Museums generally have mounted specimens prepared by a taxidermist and usually offer the common as well as ultra rare if they specialize in Nature or Natural History. Zoos will have many live critters photographed in a natural setting but some of the things we want to see are not in captivity. There is a whole network of Birders who have combed the globe searching out many of the most colorful critters in the kingdom. Many of them are anxious to share their adventure with others. Quite often they create a personal website telling about their exploits and in many cases showing them photographically as well. There are also many Universities and such that have huge picture libraries that you can look and even purchase the image.

Probably the easiest method is to use Google. There are many good search engines but I like and use Google. Simply go to http://www.google.com/. Rather than use the standard Web search use the Image search. Locate that by clicking on the word Image as it appears above the line where you type in your quest. Keep in mind that Fly Tyers tend to use a vernacular all or own. For example ask a Turkey Breeder for Cinnamon Turkey and they will think you want a cooking recipe using that spice. Indian Crow gains you a great deal of information on the Crow Nation of Native Americans. Using the Latin or Common (if there is one) Name increases your luck exponentially. Try this: type Pyroderus scutatus scutatus into the search line click image search and you will see the results in thumbnails pictures you can click on rather than text and a hyperlink to a website. Most of those pictures if followed back to the site they are on will open doors to many new areas to look for other species as well.

One of my favorite places to look is the Natural History Museum, London. On their Home page click on Animals then Birds to begin looking or simply type in Pyroderus into their search bar and see the results. Don?t just stop at the first set of pictures there are additional pictures showing numerous Indian Crow specimens. Also look at their Keyword searches to the left and click on pyroderus and see all their pictures.
Another resource is ARKive a BBC sponsored site. ARKive "is the Noah?s Ark for the Internet era - a unique global initiative, gathering together films, photographs and audio recordings of the world?s species into one centralised digital library for the benefit of today?s and future generations." See actual video footage of Otis tarda or Ardeotis nigriceps by looking in Globally Endangered Species Chapter. We would know them as Florican and Indian Bustards. Last but not least World Bird Guide by Mangoverde. "It is an all volunteer project to create a freely accessible multimedia field guide to all of the world?s bird species. The main goal of this site is to educate others about birds so that they will want to protect them and their habitats." Pictures, sounds and videos of an incredible number of birds.

Group Search is the next button following Image Search on Google. Go to Google click Group. Use it to find Bird Watchers, Zoos etc. You are only limited by your imagination as to locating information concerning birds.

If you know of additional resources where there are hidden gems and you don't mind sharing them please let me know at John@FeathersMc.com Thank you.