Photo by Kim and Cindy Risen / www.naturescapenews.com
Albatross ahoy: The large size, long, slender wings and distinctive gliding flight help identify this bird as an albatross. The military term GIS or jizz, meaning ‘general impression and shape’ have become words commonly used by birders. Using first impressions of shape, actions and behavior, birds can be quickly identified—often without seeing any real field marks. A closer look at the gray bill with a yellow tip, white underwings and facial pattern show this to be a Shy Albatross.

By Lyle Bradley

My fascination with flight started about 1930 (at six years of age) by watching birds, dragonflies, kites and a rare airplane. Never did I think about military aviation until my first year in college at the University of Iowa in Dubuque. I had already enlisted in the Marine Corps and was awaiting the call when a military group of aviators visited the college and told about the changes for accepting aviation cadets. I decided to go with the Marine Corps and Naval Aviation.

I’ve studied birds from every vehicle, including airplanes. During World War II and Korea I had a pair of binoculars in my flight suit or around my neck. They were very helpful in spotting gun positions, hidden aircraft on the ground, camouflaged vehicles and other enemy war materials. Birding experiences can be very helpful in many aviation situations.

Birding can create problems. As an aviation cadet, I was accused of cheating on aircraft recognition tests because of my perfect scores. A navy commander asked me briskly, “Cadet, do you realize cheating is a court martial offense?” I’m not sure how I responded to the surprised accusation but he continued, “We are projecting 50 new slides of aircraft on the screen and you’d better get them correct.” Three other officers were present as the projector rolled at 1/100 of a second for each slide. I did get them all correct. One officer with my file in front of him declared that several letters in my file indicated my expertise in bird identification and this might carry over to aircraft identification. They excused me and I never heard anything else on the subject.

Catch the rest of the story in the July issue of NatureScape News!