| To what extent you take field notes when birding is a | | | | rough the sketch, drawing forces you to observe |
| matter of personal choice. The goal of using field notes | | | | detail. Don't waste time flipping through your field guide |
| varies among birders. Birding field notes range from a | | | | when you could be observing the bird and noting detail! |
| list of birds seen on a particular day at a particular | | | | When finished writing and sketching, now open your |
| place - to observing birds for the purpose of | | | | field guide and try to match what you've written |
| identification and/or the collection of data, using habitat, | | | | sketched with the description given by the guide. If the |
| time of year, voice, markings, color, size, posture, how | | | | bird is still around, look for any markings or |
| the bird flies and anything else that will help you in the | | | | characteristics the book mentions that you may not |
| endeavor. So, the first step in taking field notes is to | | | | have noted. |
| make a conscious decision what you want to record. | | | | Lastly, the only person that will see your field notes is |
| For instance, if your goal is to ID a bird, consider using | | | | you unless you choose to share them. Don't be |
| this field noting technique. After observing the bird and | | | | concerned about spelling or grammar and don't be |
| before opening your field guide do two things. 1) | | | | concerned about a lack of writing or drawing ability. |
| Immediately write down what you see (there is really a | | | | When is the last time you heard someone say, "He |
| reason short term memory is called "short term"). 2) | | | | has the bird ID correct but just look at that dangling |
| Accompany your notes with sketches. No matter how | | | | participle!" Happy birding. |