This is Bird Note.

Some bird species look almost identical, creating headaches for birders just starting out.

One example? In the interior of North America, flocks of Canada geese might also have another species called cackling geese mixed in.

They look almost the same. The cacklers are just smaller.

Then there's whole groups of related birds that all look alike.

Even experienced birders have to take a close look at little sandpipers all scurring around in a wetland to know who's who.

It's easy to get discouraged and think you're the only one confused by lookalike birds, but all birders get stumped now and then.

Try seeing it as a mystery to solve,

rather than a test you have to pass. If you don't sort out two look-alike birds today,

check your field guide and get them tomorrow. And keep in mind some basic tips. If species look

similar, could they have different voices, like the Canada goose's brassy honks?

And the nasally yelps of the cackling goose?

Can you snap a photo or make a recording to review later?

Gathering all the clues you can

will help you solve the mystery.

For Bird Note, I'm Joni's Franklin.

Bird Note is supported by the Tuttleman Foundation

and by generous listeners like you.