Bird Sketches

To what extent do you take notes on the field during the observation of birds is a matter of personal choice. The purpose of the use of field notes varies birdwatchers. field notes Birding range from a list of birds seen on a particular day and a special place - the observation of birds for identification and / or data collection, using the Habitat, the time of the year, the voice , marking, color, size, posture, how the bird flies and anything that will help in the effort. So the first step in taking field notes is to make a conscious decision that you want to save.

For example, if your goal is to ID a bird, consider using this area noting technique. After observing the birds and before the opening of your field guide do two things. 1) Immediately write what you see (there really a reason to short-term memory is called "short term"). 2) Supporting your notes with sketches. Regardless of the roughness of the sketch, drawing forces you to observe the details. Do not waste time flipping through your field guide when you can watch birds and noting the details!

When you've finished writing and drawing, now open your field guide and try to match what you have written / drawn to the description given by the guide. If the bird is still there, look for marks or characteristics of the book mentions that you have not noticed.

Finally, the only person who will see your field notes to you unless you choose to share. Do not worry about spelling or grammar and not be concerned about the lack of ability to write or draw. When is the last time you heard someone say: "He flies the correct ID, but just look at who participates swinging!" Happy birding.