Bird Watching Life Lists – Keeping A Record

Navigation: Main page » Outdoors

 Print this page Submit articleComment article

Author: Richard Chapo

Article source: http://www.wild-bird-watching.com/. Used with author's permission.

If you're a birder, you want to keep a list of sightings when you bird watch. Your life lists should be kept in a bird watching journal.

Life List

A life list is a record of the species of birds you've sighted over time. Typically, the list is kept in a journal. Each entry notes the bird species, the date, location and any notes you want to add. Depending on your particular bird watching exploits, you can keep one global list or separate lists as you see fit.

For many bird watchers, one life list simply isn't enough. So, how can you break down your lists? Here are a few ideas:

1. House Lists - A list of birds sighted around your home.

2. Yearly Lists - A list for each year you bird watch.

3. State Lists - A list for sighting by particular state.

4. Trip Lists - Journals for particular bird watching vacations or tours.

5. Wish Lists - A list of birds you haven't seen, but hope to. You simply cross them off as sightings occur.

Computer Life Lists

You can purchase computer life list programs or use online variations. Each 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 computer aspect. Unless you are willing to lug a laptop around with you, there is going to be a delay between sightings and your journal entries. Using a computer program is also troublesome if you want to keep a collection of sketches of particular species you've identified. For most birders, a computer list is a supplement to a good journal, not a replacement.

Bird watching is an extremely personal passion. If you're just starting, you may think you don't need to keep a life list. The problem with this approach, of course, is you will regret the decision if you later decide to do so. All those sightings will be gone with time…

If you're going to start bird watching, make sure you keep a life list journal from the outset. As I like to say, "Preserve the experience!"

13 Tips For Good Search Engine Placements
The following tips and methods are used by the best SEOs to increase their website's search engine rank...

Is Your Goal Really Weight Loss?
Are you ashamed of your weight? Do you have a goal weight that you want to reach through weight loss? I'd say so, it's been pushed into our brains many times ...

Intent
Attitude is everything, are you living with Intent?

Prepare Your Communications For Growth
As the American economy emerges from recession, many businesses are now reexamining their marketing materials and realizing that their communications are outdat...

Home Piano Lesson Books for Young Children Spark Musical Imagination
Ever wonder what it would be like to be able to play the piano well? Great! Congratulations! You still have the childhood gift of wonder. Here's how you can ...

Imaginings
A movie is being made about your life and you have been chosen to direct it.

Managers, Start Your PR
There'll never be a better time for a manager working for a business, non-profit or association to ask this question: "Am I getting the public relations results...

How to Pick the Best Career for You: Part 3
Job searching without a target market is as frustrating as transporting a loved one to a hospital emergency room in a foreign country wearing a blindfold. There...

How to Choose Cologne
In the morning as you're about to dash off to work, or in the evening before a big date, you probably spray some cologne or perfume on yourself just before head...

Losing Weight During The Holiday Season--Can It Be Done?
By now, I am assuming your schedule is pretty hectic in preparation for the Holiday Festivities.

A 100% Drug Free Hemorrhoids Solution!
Did you know every year 25 Million people in the USA are suffering from Hemorrhoids by age 50?

How To Have An Effortless Life
Isn't that an appealing title? How to Have an Effortless Life! Well guess what? The only time your life will be effortless is when you're buried six feet under....

6 Steps to a Successful Medical Spa Expansion
With 11,500 Americans turning 50 every day, many doctors are expanding their existing practices with the addition of a Medical Spa. Since there is no shortage o...

Vacations in Manhattan
Are you considering a vacation to Manhattan? Did you know Manhattan is the home of the Empire State Building? For more information about Manhattan, click on t...

What Happened When I Allowed The Mad Hatter To Take Over My Online Marketing
Returns had been steady since I created www.howtoproducts-xl.com back in December 2004. Steady, but not spectacular, so I decided to conduct a survey.

Do You Need Help With Dry Skin?
As we get older our skin produces less of the natural oil that helps it retain its moisture. There are many contributing factors that can dry our skin.

Charge Your Imagination (1)
This is a life changing message from Imagination.And he asks:What would the world of business be like in year 2030? And adds: As we progress into 2005, it is ti...

Me and My Apple!
What drives you?

How I Got Paid $250 for Reporting an Adsense Cheater!
A story about karma and how I made $250 by reporting an Adsense cheater!

Mobile Content: An Expression of Individuality
Cell phones were created with the purpose of facilitating communication on the go. With the advancement of technology, cell phones matured into devices that are...

The Number 1 Reason Most Websites Fail
The reason most websites fail is simple and the best thing is - there is something you can do about it!

The Psychology of Weight Loss: Part 2 – How are You Motivated?
The bottom line of staying motivated to exercise and eat right is finding a meaningful reason too, not just because you have to.

Cutting Your Monthly Outgoing With Debt Consolidation
Lower your monthly payments with a debt consolidation loan.

Cloaking Giant Airships is Possible, Why Stop There?
A blimp that will disappear?