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.nomadjournals.com to read articles and stories on bird watching.
taxi from O'Hare Bismarck .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareWHAT TO SEE, TO DO AND WHERE: Mount McKinley is... Read More
The Northern Circuit is probably Africa's most dramatic wildlife area.... Read More
This truly beautiful country at the southern tip of dark... Read More
Camping is an excellent way to explore and experience the... Read More
Prevention is your best protection against lightning. Be sure to... Read More
Drive along one of South Africa's scenic strips and you... Read More
The Udzungwa Mountains National park was created primarily for the... Read More
Welcome to Bragg Creek! Bragg Creek is located in the... Read More
The sport of river rafting was practically invented in Colorado.... Read More
Are your kids begging you to take them camping, but... Read More
There's nothing that will quicken the interest of RVers like... Read More
It was the end of my first year as a... Read More
1. Take the early morning drives on safari even though... Read More
Are you sick and tired of not knowing what to... Read More
I've had backpacking trips that included rain, snow, lightning, rockslides,... Read More
Sharklife.co.za has been fighting an ongoing for the protection of... Read More
When it comes to birding, Acadia National Park is a... Read More
Maybe your favorite backpacking food is a freeze-dried turkey dinner.... Read More
Backpacking is a great way to escape the rat race... Read More
There are many manufacturers of inflatable boats on the market... Read More
A meal in Greece is highlighted with a selection of... Read More
Holidays in India, awesome in her size and diversity. This... Read More
I stood at the observation point on the balcony at... Read More
I stood at the observation point on the balcony at... Read More
Touted as one of the world's fifty destinations of a... Read More
Granger Lincoln Stretch limo rentals ..Block Island is a seaside jewel lying 12 miles off... Read More
Okay, it wasn't quite a sleeping bag. However, it was... Read More
Mount Kenya is Africa's second highest mountain, after Kilimanjaro. It... Read More
The Northern Circuit is probably Africa's most dramatic wildlife area.... Read More
Inflatable boats are made from flexible material, usually rubber, canvas,... Read More
This truly beautiful country at the southern tip of dark... Read More
Spain offers the visitor over 4,000 kms of coastline where... Read More
Last week in Australia, one man's day at beach could... Read More
The state of Goa on the West coast of India,... Read More
Climbing the glaciers to the summit of Mount Chimborazo in... Read More
One afternoon during a trip across the country in our... Read More
There are so many selections available when it comes to... Read More
Summer is for picnics, hikes, outdoor concerts, barbeques ... and... Read More
Organized river rafting trips are a good idea for novices... Read More
A saddle is a static object, but your horse is... Read More
No one can truly say... Read More
Important information about camping stoves...What type of camping, hiking, or... Read More
Having traveled from state to state and every city in... Read More
If you're looking to spot a whale, the first few... Read More
Whale watching is a spellbinding, entertaining, and thought-provoking adventure trip.... Read More
How to get the most out of your trekking poles... Read More
Western Australia Driving Adventure Great Australian Road Trip Large... Read More
The dictionary defines a tent as 'a portable shelter usually... Read More
Dude Ranches first gained popularity in the 1920s, in large... Read More
Recently we stayed at a state campground in Michigan near... Read More
Outdoors |