The heron-priested shore

How to Know Birds
by Gary Snyder

The place you’re in
The time of year
How they move and where in the meadows, brush, forest,
            rocks, reeds, are they hanging out
            alone or in a group or little groups?
Size, speed, sorts of flight
Quirks. Tail flicks, wing-shakes, bobbing –
Can you make out what they’re eating?
Calls and songs?
Finally, if you get a chance, can you see their colors,
details of plumage – lines, dots, bars
That will tell you the details you need to come up with a name
but
You already know this bird.