Bird watching is a great way to get away from the busy world and enjoy nature. Sadly, your memories of watching birds can fade over time. The best way to avoid this is to write down where and when you see birds in a journal.
Journals about watching birds
Take a moment to think about the last time you went bird watching. What stands out for you? Now think back to the first time you watched birds. Surely, you don't remember much about the place you went, the people you were with, every bird you saw, and so on. The things you can't remember have been lost to time. If you had kept a journal about bird watching, this wouldn't have happened.
People have kept journals for a long time and have been known for it. The best example is, of course, Anne Frank's diary. Anne wrote about the two years she and her family had to hide from the Nazis in her diary. Keeping a journal will help you remember your bird-watching experiences as the years go by, even though they should be more fun.
A good journal for bird watching has a number of things in common. First, it should be small so that it doesn't take up space that could be used for other things. Second, it needs a case to keep it safe from things like rain and spills. Third, there should be blank pages in the journal where you can write your notes. Fourth, there should be spaces in the journal that remind you to write down certain things. The signs should be:
- Where you stayed and whether or not you liked it,
- Who you met and how to get in touch with them,
- With whom you went birding,
- The location and the weather, and
- The birds that you saw and added to your list.
At the end of the trip, your journal should tell you the following:
- Give enough information that you or a friend could use it as a guide if you visit the place again.
- Memories to think about years from now, and
- Something you can give to your kids or grandkids.
- Information on how to get in touch with other birdwatchers and people you met,
To get the most out of your bird watching journal, write in it while you're birding and right after. Even if you're just sitting in your own backyard and see something, it's a new experience.
Keeping an eye on birds is a great way to connect with nature. Make sure to keep the memory alive.
