'Red listed' species

A surprising number of our common bird species are in danger of extinction - these are 'red listed'. The cuckoo, skylark, lapwing, song thrush, and even the formerly common house sparrow, are all red-listed. Amber listed birds include the mute swan, mallard, greylag goose, tawny owl, and snipe.

Dear Mr martin - how can I learn to recognize the birds of which you write?