Bird Watching Life Lists ? Keeping A Record

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!"

Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of bird watching journals. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com to read articles and stories on bird watching.

---

Whale Watching ? The Biggest Show on Earth

Whale watching is a spellbinding, entertaining, and thought-provoking adventure trip.... Read More

A Holiday in Rajasthan

Romancing History ? A Holiday in RajasthanRajasthan, the name evokes... Read More

Mammoth Cave: One of the Most Beautiful in Our National Park System

Directly south of Louisville, just off Interstate 65 and not... Read More

Adventure Travel on Horseback

When you think of "adventure travel," what crosses your mind?... Read More

Dont Forget that Camping Gear Checklist Before You Leave on that Family Camping Adventure

A camping gear checklist is an important tool to help... Read More

How to Save Money AND help the planet

Don't all of us love to have the money to... Read More

4 Steps to an Enjoyable Hike

Some people have fought many years of their lives to... Read More

River Rafting: An Overview

White-water rafting can be one of the most exhilarating experiences... Read More

Visiting Whistler in Summer

It is the end of the season for the year... Read More

Discover Eaton Canyon In Pasadena California

Eaton Canyon Natural Area Nature Center, entrance, 1750 N. Altadena... Read More

Bird Safaris: Timbavatis Most Desired Plumage

Normally when you think Safari you think Big 5. The... Read More

Penguin Parade

Phillip Island is a small island and nature reserve off... Read More

Malaria Prevention - Five Ways to Avoid Catching It on Safari

Malaria is endemic to most of the areas in Africa... Read More

Tips for Mountain Bikers in Spain

As any keen mountain biker will know, there are some... Read More

Topographic Maps 101

The intricate details on a topographic map can be befuddling,... Read More

A Torrent of Influences ? Tourism in Goa

Sun, Sand and Surf ? an apt description for Goa?... Read More

Inflatable Boat Trailers

An inflatable boat trailer is needed if the user has... Read More

Hiking Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is the most popular park in... Read More

What Do Cowboys-n-Campfires Have in Common?

I bet you're wondering where the heck this articles going.... Read More

One of the Oldest Traditions of the American West; The Dude Ranch

Dude Ranches first gained popularity in the 1920s, in large... Read More

Holidays in Goa

Sun, Sand and Surf ? an apt description for Goa?... Read More

Ultralight Backpacking Skills - A Three Day Test

On Lake Michigan, at the end of the Stonington Peninsula,... Read More

Cheap Safari in Africa For $70 a Day - Heres How To Do It

You would think that a cheap safari in Africa for... Read More

Dancing With Whales

We've all heard about whalewatching from boats or shore, and... Read More

Be Sure to Buy the Best Discount Camping Gear Before Going on that Family Adventure

When you're on the Internet looking for discount camping gear,... Read More

Amazing Trek Across TIbet!

Today Bookpleasures and Sketchandtravel are pleased to have as our... Read More

Bird Watching in the East Usambara Mountains of Tanzania

The Usamabara Mountains are very special mountains, often that tired... Read More

Yellowstone Camping In The Fall

Soon, the busy summer tourist season will be over in... Read More

A Retired, Single RVer Travels

For some 30 years I practiced law in Mesa, Arizona.... Read More

Rafting on the Rogue River in Oregon

Oregon's Rogue River is one of the nation's most beautiful.... Read More

Shark Pictures Not The Real Thing

Pictures of a massive dead Great White shark on the... Read More

Comal White Water or More Blue Green

White Water on the Comal river in Central Texas is... Read More

Great Indian Holidays

Holidays in India, awesome in her size and diversity. This... Read More