Geoff Williamson

(1) Changes in Illinois’s Avifauna: a Records Committee Perspective

The status and distribution of birdlife in Illinois is always shifting, though generally quite slowly. In the last several decades, however, birders have seen instances of very rapid changes. We’ll look at some of what is going on from the viewpoint of the Illinois Ornithological Records Committee, or IORC, by focusing on rarities. IORC maintains a “Review List” of species sufficiently rare to warrant evaluation of observational evidence of their occurrence. The stories behind movement of species on and off the Review List provide insight into how their status and distribution – or the nature of the birding community – is changing.

(2) Flycatchers of Illinois and Their Identification

Confused by flycatcher identification? This presentation discusses what to look for, and what to listen to, when trying to put names to the summering and migrant flycatchers of Illinois. The various species are grouped systematically and ID problems both “easy” and hard are addressed. The special problems posed by rarities are also featured.

(3) Identifying Shorebirds

Many individuals shy away from shorebird identification because “shorebirds all look the same.” This presentation aims to dispel that notion. We stress the importance of shape, structure, and proportions in identification, with plumage features coming into play only to decide between two or three species. This approach is illustrated using several pairs of similar shorebird species as well as to differentiate between major types of shorebirds.

(4) Identification of Sparrows in the Greater Illinois Region

Okay – so here’s this little brown job, skulking in the grass. What is it? These birds seem determined to give you only a glimpse here or a peek there, and even when they’re in the open they often kind of “all look the same.” This presentation will consider how to identify sparrows, as well as some other birds that, like sparrows, have an affinity for hanging out close to the ground in fields, hedgerows, and brushy areas.

(5) Learning to Bird by Ear: Recognizing and Identifying Birds by Their Vocalizations

Many experienced birders will say that 90% of their birding is done “by ear.” For those conducting censuses and surveys, this skill is especially important, as it enables one to more efficiently and effectively recognize what birds are present on a survey route. But even the casual bird watcher will find ear-birding skills quite useful. In many situations, such as forest and marshland birding, birding by ear is valuable in locating and identifying birds when they are difficult to see. This presentation describes basic concepts in bird vocalizations and provides organizing principles for learning to bird by ear. The talk also discusses the many resources available to the person looking to acquire or improve ear-birding skills.

(6) Birds and Radar, Birding and Radar

Radar imagery is increasingly referenced in the birding community to help determine ‘good’ birding days. Learn how radar can detect birds, where to find radar forecasts, how to interpret the patterns displayed, and how radar can be used to assess the strength of bird migration movements.

Please contact me to explore other topics.