Why You Should Keep A Bird Watching Record Sheet

November 13th, 2007 Posted in Bird Watching Journals

It is always a good idea to keep a bird watching record sheet if you are a keen bird watcher. This is merely a list upon which you can record the different species of birds that you have viewed. Usually, this will be recorded in a journal with each entry containing at least the date, location and species of the bird, as well as any other notes you may wish to make.

Some people find that just one bird watching record sheet is not enough for them. This will depend on how often and how serious you are about bird watching. Whether you keep one bird watching record sheet or several, it can be very satisfying to be able to look back and remember previous bird watching experiences.

If you plan to use more than one bird watching record sheet, you might be wondering how best to split them up. There are five different types of lists which may prove useful. First of all, you can keep a house list which will contain records of birds which you have viewed around your home. Secondly, you can keep a yearly list, which is simply a separate list for each year that you have been bird watching. Third, you could keep a state list, with birds from different states, if you find yourself bird watching in different parts of the country. Fourth, you can keep a trip list for each bird watching trip that you go on. The last type of list you may want to keep is a wish list, containing entries for birds which you have not yet seen, but hope to. You can simply cross these birds of the list one you have seen them.

Keeping Your Bird Watching Record Sheet On Your Computer

If you want to keep a bird watching record sheet on you computer, there are a few programs which are available. Most of these come in some format where you can enter in your information, and have a record sheet generated for you.

The major drawback to using computer programs is the fact that you need a computer or laptop in order to use them. This can be a bit difficult when you are out on a bird watching adventure. For this reason, most bird watchers will view a computer generated bird watching record sheet as a supplement to a physical list.