Be a Birdwatcher.

Do you want to be a birdwatcher and solve some bird mysteries? You can by paying attention to the details.

First, learn to identify the birds you see. Look for birds in your own backyard. Then ask yourself these questions:

* What color is the bird?

* How big is it?

* What does the tail look like?

* The beak?

* How does the bird move? Some birds, such as crows and grackles, walk. Others, such as sparrows, hop.

* Does the bird have other color markings on it?

Describe the bird's behavior. Nuthatches creep head-first down a tree trunk. Eastern phoebes wag their tails when perched on a branch.

Is the bird singing? What does the song sound like?

Now it's time to find out the name of your mystery bird. Look through a bird field guide and match your clues to a picture of the bird you saw.

Did you find it? Great! Case solved!

RELATED ARTICLE: Dos and Don'ts for Birdwatchers

* Do move slowly and quietly when birding. Don't make sudden movements that will frighten the birds away.

* Do wear dull green or brown clothes that blend in with the grass and trees. Don't wear bright-colored clothes or anything that might flap and scare the birds.

* Do go birding in the morning when birds are active.

* Do carry binoculars and a small notebook and pencil.

* Do list the details and draw a sketch of the bird.

* Do put a field guide in your pocket.

* Do take a snack and water if you go birding away from home.