Make Birding More Fun

Are you curious to learn what birds visit your Birdfy feeder? Do you want to remember the details of a bird or its name?

If so, then journaling may be for you!

Hi, I'm Dayna, and I am addicted to birding and journaling.

I started keeping a bird journal one and a half years ago and have been addicted ever since! In addition to documenting bird observations, which include dates, locations, and weather, I also share information about my gardens and growing birdseed for my feathered friends.                                                                     

Before starting, my goal was to record species I observed in the bird garden, along with the date and location. It was more like a traditional written diary.                                           

On January 14, 2023, I made my first journal entry, and I’ll never forget that day. My hand was shaking when I put my pen to paper in my journal, and I distinctly remember feeling extremely nervous, but I was determined to begin!

I didn’t include sketches then, as I was worried my drawings of birds would be disastrous (I’m not very good at drawing). Here are a couple of photos: one from my first journal entry and another from six months later.

Initially, I let fear hold me back from drawing in my bird journal, but on June 13th, I started adding drawings. They were basic, but I was determined to improve and saw the journal as an excellent way to practice. I reminded myself that this journal was just for me and not for publication, which relieved the pressure.

As I continued journaling, I was surprised at how much my knowledge of each bird species expanded.

This past year, my journals have also grown to include tracking birds in my area and writing about my birding activities with different groups, friends, and family members.

Pages also include birds I hope to see one day and the places I hope to travel to bird-watch (Arizona is first on my list!).

                         

Recently, it occurred to me that had I not journaled, I could have easily missed many characteristics of the birds I was observing. Journaling makes it easier to identify birds and you will find that your love for birds will become even stronger.

If you want to start a bird journal, start simple or get as creative as you want!

A New Journey Through Journaling

A whole new world can be opened up through bird journaling, which, in turn, can help you learn to identify and appreciate birds and nature. As a bonus, it can also help improve your skills as a birder, observer, artist, and writer.

Journaling daily or consistently is a calming activity. It can help you combine new information with your existing knowledge. There’s nothing like having a cup of coffee and journaling!

Journaling also helps you connect with yourself and nature. Making journaling a habit will make it quite relaxing. I was amazed at how much I loved it once I got started!

What is a bird journal?

Bird journaling is a creative way to record your birdwatching experiences. The great thing about it is there are no rules! You don't need to worry about how to do a journal or what materials to use. It's entirely up to you!

One way to journal is by keeping a notebook to write and document what you've observed. 

Journaling is a way to collect and organize things you observe, answer questions you may have, and share feelings about the birds and nature around you. You can provide information in your journal pages using words, photos, and other relevant information related to birdwatching.

Believe me when I say there is no “correct” way to keep a journal!

How to Get Started

Do you want to log birds you have observed or have a journal of birds you wish to see?

Have a journal to record destinations you have been to or would like to go birding or express yourself by drawing birds.

Maybe all the above?

First, determine why you would like to journal.

Would you prefer a seasonal journal to document changes throughout the year or a perpetual bird journal for continuous year-to-year tracking (the second type is the type of journal I have)? Additionally, your journal can serve as a log of the birds you've observed, a wish list for birds you hope to see (called “lifers”), and a record of other bird-watching activities and destinations you'd like to visit. Maybe all of the above?

Remember, this journal is for you, so make it work for your needs and jot down anything you find interesting! Speaking of interesting, I’ve been known to draw a frog or bug out in the garden a time or two.

Secondly, determine the type of journal you would like to have.

Decide if you want to journal daily, weekly, or without a structured schedule. Choose a method that fits your lifestyle and routine. Even if you're not an artist, consider practicing drawing. Your skills will improve over time if you keep at it. I can personally attest to that as someone learning to draw!

Remember to include various details in your bird journal, such as bird behavior, colors and markings of the birds, weather, habitat, and seasons. You can also leave space for notes, drawings or anything else you wish to include.

      Example of Writer’s Journal Entry

      Artist Sketchbook/Journal

Enjoy expressing creativity by sketching or painting in an artist'sIf you enjoy writing but not drawing, consider a written journal. You can include scientific notes to enhance your understanding of the species of birds.      sketchbook/journal. Adding drawings can enrich your birding experience and enhance your observation skills.

Collage Journal

If you're into scrapbooking, consider creating scrapbook pages or a collage related to bird watching.

Documenting your birding observations in a way that brings you joy and fulfillment is essential.

Experiment with different journaling styles to find what works best for you, and remember your passion for birding.

 Photography Journal

Are you interested in photography?

Use photos you have taken and put them in your bird journal.

Blank book

Blank notebooks offer you an opportunity to have more flexibility than traditional lined ones. Choose a comfortable size (I like a 5 x 7) and look for paper that is smooth. To draw or attach items inside, such as dried flowers, the key is to get quality paper should you wish to go this route.

Pens, pencils and paints

I consistently used a purple pen when writing in my first journal. After a few months, when I decided to transition to a journal that included drawings, I switched to a black gel pen for writing and colored gel pens for my drawings.

The gel pens did a fantastic job, but the colors were limited, so I switched to colored pencils.

want to try using watercolors someday and am experimenting with baby steps.

You can use anything, including a simple pencil or a basic pen!

If you wish to use real flowers in your journal, you can flatten them with a flower press.

And don’t forget to experiment with different types of papers! It can be so much fun!

Let’s Journal!

You might find it difficult if you are new to bird journaling and think it is just about making pretty pictures and you set high expectations for yourself.

Focus on what you observe, and use words and images to combine your love of birding and journaling.

And remember, no matter what your bird journal page looks like, it is considered a success!

When starting a new page, I write down the date first. I also include the temperature, location, and weather conditions. 

Starting can be intimidating, and you may feel uncomfortable, but including these items can help squash your fear and make it easier to begin.

Make a small journal entry at the beginning of your day, and you will find it will start your day right!

Begin by writing the date and location. Once you've started on the page, it's easier to keep adding to it as the day progresses.

Since I tend to forget what I have done earlier in the day by the afternoon, I write in my journal as soon as possible so I won’t forget.

If I don’t have time to draw, I will put a little sticky note where I want the drawing to be to remind me to return to it later.

TIP: If you cannot write in your journal during the day, you can check the videos from your Birdfy that were recorded earlier. Watch these videos at the end of the day or whenever you have time to see if anything interesting happened that you might have missed."

Use words and pictures to jot down what observations you have. Like bullet points? Graphs? Use them! Do whatever works for you.

Get creative and use diagrams and maps! Let your imagination run wild!

Just keep at it, and you'll improve at expressing yourself!

You know the excitement of seeing a bird? Identify the bird and record your observations.

When I find a new species in the yard, I make a special note at the top of that day’s entry so I can easily find it when I look back into my journal.

You can highlight special events you may have attended in your journal for fun.

TIP: Keep your journal handy, as inspiration can strike at any time, especially when observing birds. No worries should you not have time to draw right away. Use sticky notes as a reminder!

I keep my journal close by,

which is convenient whenever the spirit moves me.

You are only limited by your imagination!

In my next blog post, I will share ways to make your bird journaling more fun!

In the meantime, I CAN’T WAIT to see a page from your journal!

You can do this!