Life List

A life list is a record of the species of birds you’ve sighted over time. Typically, the list is kept in a journal. Each entry notes the bird species, the date, location and any notes you want to add. Depending on your particular bird watching exploits, you can keep one global list or separate lists as you see fit.

For many bird watchers, one life list simply isn’t enough. So, how can you break down your lists? Here are a few ideas:

1. House Lists – A list of birds sighted around your home.

2. Yearly Lists – A list for each year you bird watch.

3. State Lists – A list for sighting by particular state.

4. Trip Lists – Journals for particular bird watching vacations or tours.

5. Wish Lists – A list of birds you haven’t seen, but hope to. You simply cross them off as sightings occur.

Computer Life Lists

You can purchase computer life list programs or use online variations. Each program is different, but most come in a checklist format. You enter information and the program spits out your list.

The problem with using computer programs is…well, the computer aspect. Unless you are willing to lug a laptop around with you, there is going to be a delay between sightings and your journal entries. Using a computer program is also troublesome if you want to keep a collection of sketches of particular species you’ve identified. For most birders, a computer list is a supplement to a good journal, not a replacement.

Bird watching is an extremely personal passion. If you’re just starting, you may think you don’t need to keep a life list. The problem with this approach, of course, is you will regret the decision if you later decide to do so. All those sightings will be gone with time…

If you’re going to start bird watching, make sure you keep a life list journal from the outset. As I like to say, “Preserve the experience!”

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com makers of diary and writing journals for bird watching. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com to read more articles on bird watching and the great outdoors.

Related Reading:

Attracting Birds to Your Backyard: 536 Ways to Create a Haven for Your Favorite Birds (A Rodale Organic Gardening Book)

The Bird Watching Answer Book: Everything You Need to Know to Enjoy Birds in Your Backyard and Beyond (Cornell Lab of Ornithology)

Backyard Bird Identification Guide (T.F.H. Wild Birds Series)

National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Fifth Edition

Spotting Scope for Hunting and Bird Watching 20-60 x 60mm 4N

Therefore, bird ecology and conservation would be the science that revolves around the bird population and the environment. Scientists have learned that the human race has made quite an impact on the birds in the world. In fact, some have already become extinct or on the verge of extinction due to the impact humanity has made on the earth. The study of bird ecology and conservation can help to find ways to undo some of the damage that has been done or at the very least help to prevent more harm from being done.

Humanity is not the only thing that affects birds and their environment. Other animals that are natural predators play a big role in how birds of all kinds impact the earth. The change in the weather even has an effect on the bird population and their habitats.

The study of bird ecology and conservation has taught scientists how the natural order of things should be when it comes to their habitat and food source. They have learned their mating habits and migration routes which play a huge part in the natural order of things. Scientists will know when things have been thrown off-balance and with further studies can determine how this will shape the world a few years into the future.

Birds follow a certain behavior pattern that could have a big impact on the earth if it were to be drastically changed. This happens when a species becomes extinct or when the weather changes dramatically causing confusion among the birds. They aren’t sure when to migrate, mate or do any of their natural functions when nature is out of whack. This in turn has an impact on everything else including society.

Bird ecology and conservation studies are essential to the health and well-being of the bird species. The way they eat, live, mate and even take care of their young will affect the world in some way. Therefore, it is important to study them and learn how they are related to the environment. This is the only chance of protecting and conserving the natural order of things to help enhance the quality of life for the future generations to enjoy.

Peter Bankss
To Know more about Bird Ecology and Conservation and to Get a Free Report on How To Save Our Planet.

Before you select a bird at the pet shop or the breeder, be sure you understand what is expected from you for the bird you select. If you are short of space at home you should think twice about buying a large parrot for example.

Also factor in your needs in regards to the time you can invest in your bird. Cockatiels for example are very good mates to humans and they don’t go well with being left alone for long spells of time. They love interaction and are ideal for people who love the idea of having a bird sit on their shoulder all day long. If space is indeed an issue, choose a smaller bird, like a budgie or a finch instead.

For those of you who enjoy big birds, make sure you have ample space available for the new family member. Buy a bird cage that is big enough so your bird has ample room to play. The last thing you wan is for your bird to become depressed and lonely because nobody ever plays with him.

Pet birds love to be taken out of their cages, especially if they are hand raised which is another important point to consider. Always choose a hand raised bird over one that is not. You will grow a lot closer to them and it is easy to handle them with your hands, plus it is more fun.

You will also need to learn how to handle the bird accordingly. Resist to grab your bird just like that. They deserve your respect and even though they love to be petted and stroked, they are not always ready for it. They too love their space and time out - just like us humans.

You will soon learn to see your bird’s daily rhythm and adjust to it accordingly.

One of the most important aspects of bird care is their food. Learn about foods that are safe and those that are not - it could save your bird’s life. Some food is toxic and so are most house plants.
It always helps to talk to an experienced pet bird owner to learn what is right for them.

If you want to train your bird, I suggest you arm yourself with tools that can teach you to train your bird. Some birds don’t take lightly to being trained and they need special attention from you. If your bird tends to scream or bite a lot, he might have been terribly neglected or abused in the past. It is possible to work with these birds with a lot of love and patience on your behalf.

There is a wide range of training tools available in the pet bird market these days. Choose from training videos, books, eBooks and more to learn about your bird’s behavior.

It doesn’t take a degree to care for your pet bird in a humane and loving way. All it takes is a bit of patience and time.

Learn more about the different types of Pet Birds and how you can select the best possible pet bird care by visiting the link

If you get into birding, you will quickly realize you want to keep a list of the birds you see. In fact, this is a basic pillar of the hobby. The list you create is called a life list. As the years pass, the idea is to add and add to your list. Frankly, it can become a bit addictive. Regardless, you need to know how to identify the birds you see so you can keep your list up to date and make sure it is accurate. There are a number of ways to identify birds and the silhouette method is one.

The silhouette method is all about looking at shapes. You want to avoid focusing on colors or actions take by the bird. Instead, you want to picture the bird as a dark shape surrounded by light. If this is unclear, thing of the head silhouettes you did as a kid. It is the same idea, although you have to picture the silhouette in your mind since the bird in question probably isn’t going to let you do any actual one!

Most species of birds have common characteristics. If you can match the characteristics of the bird to others, you will be able to determine the group it lies within. As you get better at it, you will often be able to nail down the exact identity.

When picturing the silhouette, you need to focus on a couple key things. First and foremost is the body size. Is it large, small or medium? Next, look at the shape. Is there something unique about it, to wit, is it long and thin, stout or pear shaped?

Once you have the basic body characteristics down, it is time to look for a bit more detail. What type of beak are you seeing? Is it long or short? What about the tail? Is it short or long or are there other characteristics? Finally, take a look at the proportions of the body parts. One of the great give aways is a particular body part that is larger or smaller than one would expect with the body shape and size.

Once you have correlated this information, you should have a pretty good idea of what you are looking at. It may sound like a lot at first, but it will eventually become second hand.

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of bird watching journals.