Have you ever paused to think about what truly defines a “good bird” in your birdwatching experiences? Yesterday, I had that realization again—what I consider a “good bird” evolves over time, and I suspect many birders feel the same. Whether you’re a beginner spotting your first feathered friend or a veteran chasing rarities, understanding this shift can deepen your passion for birding.
In our early days as birders, any bird is a good bird, even if its identity remains a mystery. The thrill intensifies once we name it, turning fleeting glimpses into triumphs. For listers, ticking off a new species elevates it to the pinnacle of excitement. If you’re new to attracting birds to your yard, consider options like household birds that thrive in backyard settings, bringing joy without much effort.
The Evolution of “Good Birds” in Everyday Birding
These days, after periods away from the field, any bird reignites the spark—except perhaps the hordes of pigeons, starlings, and House Sparrows dominating my feeders. Yet, even among commons, some stand out. This weekend, two Northern Flickers worked my snow-melted lawn, drilling and foraging intently with minimal interaction. Their presence was captivating: close-up, engaging, and uncommon in my tree-scarce yard. These moments remind us why birdwatching captivates—behavior and proximity matter.
What elevates a bird to “particularly good” status? Often, it’s noteworthy actions paired with clear, close views. Rarity in your local patch amplifies the delight. My zoology undergrad days honed this appreciation; beyond ornithology, my favorite classes were animal behavior courses—one in zoology, one in psychology. Watching animals in their element was mesmerizing; if viable, I’d have pursued it professionally.
Unfortunately, views are frequently fleeting, obscured by branches, or distant. Here, certainty of ID and species rarity drive excitement. A rare bird delights regardless of drab plumage, stillness, or suboptimal optics—it’s a win.
Big Years: Redefining “Good” with Codes and Chases
Everything transforms during a Big Year. In your target area—be it Texas, the ABA region, South Dakota, or Pennington County, SD—any unseen species that year qualifies as a “good bird,” even locals. Goodness tiers by rarity. The ABA assigns codes reflecting occurrence likelihood across its area:
- Code 6: Extinct or extirpated (e.g., Ivory-billed Woodpecker)—miraculous if spotted.
- Code 5: Rarest possibles.
- Lower codes denote commons.
Code 4-5 birds are Big Year holy grails, sparking epic chases. By year’s end, missing Code 1-3 species? Embarrassing. I know that sting all too well.
Even repeat sightings shine if improving on prior views. Take my White-winged Crossbill saga in Pennington County. Early year, a friend reported one amid Red Crossbills at his feeder. We waited hours; they appeared high overhead. One male’s pink hue and light streaking distinguished it, but no wing view confirmed white panels. Unsatisfying, yet logged.
White-winged Crossbill foraging in spruce tree cones during winter survey
Yesterday’s Canyon Lake survey (Pennington County) delivered redemption: a flock of pure White-winged Crossbills in spruces, cone-munching atop. Cold (8°F) meant no initial camera, but I dashed back—they waited. Shots weren’t perfect, but the clear study was exquisite. A very good bird indeed!
Behavior, Rarity, and the Birder’s Joy
Reflecting broader, Good Birds blend elements: novel behaviors (drumming, foraging), stellar optics, and local scarcity. Common yard visitors like sparrows fade against a flicker’s antics or crossbill irruption. For those blending birding with home life, exploring household birds offers similar rewards indoors.
My behavior studies underscore this—birds aren’t static; their actions reveal personalities. A flicker ignoring distractions or crossbills defying odds exemplify nature’s drama.
Lessons for Birders at Any Level
Ultimately, “good bird” is subjective, shaped by experience, context, and goals. Beginners celebrate IDs; experts crave spectacle or scarcity; Big Year warriors hunt codes. Cherish them all—they fuel our pursuit.
Next time you’re afield, note what sparks your “good bird” moment. Share in comments—what defines yours? Dive deeper into birding with ABA resources or local surveys. Happy birding!
References
- American Birding Association (ABA) Bird Codes: aba.org
- Personal field notes from Pennington County, SD surveys, 2013.
