I know exactly what you mean, about a year ago a House Finch got caught in my oven vent...I spent 3 days with an old birding book trying to identify it! LOL!!! Can you imagine! LOL Once I FINALLY identified it I was HOOKED. Every bird I see I need to know what it is.
My husband made a joke that bird watchers move their heads like birds, darting from side to side looking at ever little movement from every angle LOL!
That is amazing about your property, you should photograph all those birds if you can!