How to Keep Birding Records in a Field Notebook
Birding can be a fun, relaxing, and rewarding hobby. Keeping track of each bird you see is a good way to learn and grow as a birder. Some people choose to photograph the birds they see, whereas others choose to write their records in a notebook.
Things You'll Need
Waterproof notebook
Waterproof pen
Camera (optional)
- Gather your equipment. Be sure that the size of your notebook is large enough for the information you will be writing down, but not too large to be easily carried around. A waterproof pen is a good idea too, as weather can sometimes be unpredictable while you're out in the field. You can find these supplies at stores that sell camping and outdoor equipment.
- Decide what type of information you'd like to keep track of while in the field. It may take a while to get used to the way that works best for you. Some people keep very detailed records, where others are less detailed. Write what works for you.
- Make a layout on the pages of your notebook, if you'd like. Organize your notebook and group your entries together by individual bird or each outing, depending on how detailed you'd like to be. Make headings such as location, date, time of day, species, gender, behavior observations, number of birds seen, description of habitat, description of plumage, bird sounds heard, etc.
- Leave room in your notebook to add photos later, if you choose to take them, or sketch what you see while you're in the field.