Why Keeping A Bird Watching Record Sheet Is Such A Great Idea

If you are an avid bird watcher, then you really should be keeping a bird watching record sheet. This is nothing more than a list of sightings, which can also be viewed as a a bird watching journal.

Your Bird Watching Record Sheet Life List

A life list is nothing more than a bird watching record sheet upon which you notate the species of birds that you have seen throughout time. This is typically kept in a journal wherein each entry notes the date, location and the species of the bird. Of course, you can also write down any other notes that you wish to add.

Some people find that one bird watching record sheet simply is not enough for them. This usually depends upon your particular bird watching exploits. As such, you can keep one global list or separate lists as you see fit.

If you wish to keep more than one bird watching record sheet, you may be wondering how to break them down. Well, there are actually 5 different types of lists that you can keep. First of all, you can keep a “house list,” which is nothing more than a list of birds that have been sighted around your home. Secondly, you can keep a “yearly list,” which is a list for each year that you bird watch. Third, you may want to keep a “state list,” which is a list for the different birds that you sight in each state that you travel through. Fourth, you can keep a “trip list,” which is a journal that is kept for each bird watching vacation or tour that you go on. Fifth, you can also keep a “wish list” wherein you list the birds that you have not seen yet, but hope to. Once you see these birds, you can simply cross them off your bird watching record sheet.

Keeping Your Bird Watching Record Sheet On Your Computer

If you wish to keep your bird watching record sheet on your computer, there are various programs that you can purchase. There are also online variations that you can use. Of course, each program is different. However, most of them do come in a checklist format wherein you enter the information and the program creates your list for you.

There is a problem with using computer programs and that is the fact that it is a computer. If you are unwilling to carry a laptop around with you, then there will be a delay between sightings and your journal entries. Using the program itself can also be troublesome if you want to keep a collection of sketches of particular species that you have identified. For this reason, most bird watchers view a computer list as a supplement to, not a replacement for, a good bird watching record sheet.