What's in the Name

[Randy Lawson]

It looks as if many of you have an extensive knowledge of the subjects you have taken images of or at a minimum know the names of those plants or animals. Even though I have been in the outdoors for years, I really have never studied, learned / remembered the names of plants, animals and birds. I have just taken them for granted. Now that I am photographing them I want to do my image some justice and complete the image by properly identifying them by their name.

What are some ways that you all have learned and or remembered the names of plants, animals and birds that you have taken images of in the past?

[jckegley]

Probably depends on whether you are refering to common names or scientific (latin) names.

Common names for mammals are fairly easy. Same for birds once you study up for a while.

It's the plants and wildlifeflowers that are tough. Many of them share the same common name, some you have to identify by a scientific name if you want to be specific, because the common name might refer to a dozen different species.

Best to have a lot or resources (books, friends who are subject matter experts, and the internet)

I am always having to look up information to try to identify plants/wildlifeflowers. The same is true for insects. Always good to have knowledgable friends.

[Squatty]

Well if its birds get a Sibley's bird guide and become a student of your subjects is all I know to tell you. I always have been intrigued by birds, especially waterfowl. I just study them, read about them, etc. The more you see them and recognize what you are looking at the easier it becomes to properly ID them.

[SkipP]

Books...and hanging out with people more knowledgable than I (not that that is all that difficult:rolleyes:) is what is helping me to learn.

The thing I'm learning is that the more you know, the more you realize that there is so much more to learn:D!