Bird Watching Lists: Keep a Record
If you are a bird watcher, you will want to keep a sighting list when observing birds. Your life lists should be kept in a birding journal.
Life list
A life list is a record of the bird species you have seen over time. Normally, the list is kept in a journal. Each entry indicates the bird species, date, location, and any notes you want to add. Depending on your particular bird watching feats, you can keep a global list or separate lists as you see fit.
For many bird watchers, a life list is simply not enough. So how can you break down your lists? Here are some ideas:
1. House lists: a list of birds sighted around your house.
2. Yearly Lists: A list of each year you watch birds.
3. Status lists: a list for sightings by particular state.
4. Trip Lists – Journals for particular birding trips or vacations.
5. Wish Lists – A list of birds you have not seen, but are looking forward to seeing. He just crosses them out when sightings occur.
Computer life lists
You can buy computer shelf life list programs or use variations online. Every program is different, but most come in a checklist format. You enter information and the program spits out your list.
The problem with using computer programs is … well, the look of the computer. Unless you are willing to take a laptop with you, there will be a delay between sightings and your journal entries. Using a computer program is also problematic if you want to keep a collection of sketches of particular species that you have identified. For most bird watchers, a computer list is a supplement to a good journal, not a replacement.
Bird watching is an extremely personal passion. If you are just starting out, you may think that you don’t need to keep a life list. The problem with this approach, of course, is that you will regret the decision if you decide to do so later. All those sightings will go away with time …
If you are going to start bird watching, be sure to keep a life list journal from the beginning. As I like to say, “Keep the experience!”