Birding Basics: Answers to Common Questions

Maine Audubon expert shares tips on identifying birds, feeder maintenance, and participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Doug Hitchcox, a naturalist at Maine Audubon, hosts a 17-week online "Birding Basics" series to teach people about the joys and importance of birding. In this article, he shares answers to some of the most common questions he receives, including how to identify large birds, when to stop feeding birds in winter, and how to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count.

Why it matters

Birding is a popular hobby that allows people to connect with nature and learn more about the diverse bird species in their local area. However, there are some common misconceptions and questions that can prevent people from fully enjoying the hobby. This article provides helpful guidance to address these issues and encourage more people to get involved in birding.

The details

Hitchcox explains that the "huge" size of a bird is often an optical illusion caused by Emmert's Law, which states that the perceived size of an object is directly proportional to its perceived distance. He notes that even a bald eagle soaring overhead can appear much larger than one flying close by. Regarding bird feeders, Hitchcox emphasizes the importance of regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent the spread of disease. He also advises treating windows to prevent bird strikes, which are a major cause of bird mortality. For the Great Backyard Bird Count, Hitchcox recommends focusing on getting the order of magnitude right (1, 10, or 100 birds) rather than aiming for perfect accuracy. He says estimates are perfectly acceptable, as long as you're consistent in your approach.

  • The Great Backyard Bird Count takes place from February 14-17, 2026.
  • Hitchcox's "Birding Basics" online series runs for 17 weeks every Tuesday night, with recordings shared afterwards.

The players

Doug Hitchcox

A naturalist at Maine Audubon who hosts the "Birding Basics" online series to teach people about identifying birds, feeder maintenance, and participating in citizen science projects like the Great Backyard Bird Count.

Maine Audubon

A non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Maine's wildlife and habitat, which offers the free "Birding Basics" series to the public.

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What they’re saying

“Unfortunately, there isn't often a better explanation than your brain has tricked you into thinking the bird was bigger than you expected.”

— Doug Hitchcox, Naturalist (pressherald.com)

“Regularly cleaning bird feeders with a diluted bleach (or vinegar) solution, and changing out seeds if they spoil (often from getting wet, especially if feeders don't have good drainage) is a must.”

— Doug Hitchcox, Naturalist (pressherald.com)

What’s next

The next session of Hitchcox's "Birding Basics" online series begins on February 18, 2026, and runs for 17 weeks. Interested participants can sign up at maineaudubon.org/events.

The takeaway

This article provides valuable guidance for both new and experienced birders, addressing common misconceptions and offering practical tips to enhance the birding experience. By understanding the science behind optical illusions, properly maintaining bird feeders, and contributing to citizen science projects, readers can more fully appreciate and protect the diverse bird species in their local area.