What do you need to start? A good identification guide and patience. Having a pair of binoculars helps, but it isn't necessary to start. The National Park Service has a really great blog about starting out for the beginner.
There are many resources online to help you including the Audubon Society's website which includes a detailed bird guide to help identify birds you find as well as other informative articles.
Try using their site to help identify this bird. If you need a hint, hover of the picture.
The library is also a great local resource to learn and expand your understanding of birds and birding.
Here are some books in our collection to help you get started:
A birdwatcher's guide to Alachua County, Florida by Rex Rowan
You can't get more local a guide specific to Alachua County.
This book is is a beginner course in birding for every nature and animal lover out there.
Effin' birds: a field guide to identification by Aaron Reynolds
This humorous, albeit vulgar, take on bird identification will have you in stitches but isn't for the faint of heart.
Online
This is the essential source for the field, both informative and beautiful to peruse.
How to Know the Birds by Ted Floyd
This friendly, relatable book is a celebration of the art, science, and delights of bird-watching. This item is also available as a print book.