I have a graphic of a Road Runner (bird)

I'm trying to change part of it to another color. It's all one payer and one color. It seems like I could select the parts that I want to change by creating a layer containing the parts I want to change?

I tried to add a Layer, but was unsuccessful. I also tried using the rectangle tool to select the area that I want to change. 

I'm using win 10  with Inkscape 1.4

Thanks, Don Lamson

If you want to color the „inner“ parts you may need to go Path->Break apart first, because these are holes right now. Then you can put the main shape into the background and color beak and feathers. (Or use the Paint bucket tool set slightly to overfill and put these parts in the background)

I was able to fill in the "inner" parts using the Break apart feature. Thanks for that!

What I want to do is change the color on the "Motion marks" behind the birds head and back foot. 2 behind the head and another 2 behind it's back foot.

Thanks-

All parts should be separated after Path->Break apart:

Thanks Polygon,

Here is how far I've gotten. Progress...
I still can't select the 4 "Motion marks" 

When I try to use the "Break apart" function, sometimes it works sometimes not. When it does work the selection box, noted by the box shaped broken lines do not show up.
I'm thinking that I should finish the Master class by Nick Saporito. It seems that I'm wasting yours and my time.
Thanks for your help.

You have a nested group involved. After ungrouping 2 times and Path->Break apart everything went smoothly:

It is helping.

Can you tell me where to find the toggle to turn the selection boxes back on? Apparently I accidentally turn it off, so I can't see what I'm selecting.

We can search in Preferences:

Thanks! It is working now...