I sat in my back yard in Oakland, California on March 1st 2022 and just listened to the birds. I used MerlinID to identify each voice and provide fixed images to supplement my fleeting glimpses of the live birds. Drawing the birds helps me remember details that will help with identification in the field, where you often get only a second to view a bird on the wing.
I started with a light pencil outline, then added color with watercolor pencils, with which I have no experience. Not especially satisfied with the color from these pencils, so I'd like to try watercolor paint next time. I like working from photos because in the wild you usually get only a quick glimpse of a bird. They don't stand still for long (except Great Blue Herons, who will stand motionless for hours).