Today, bird watching is a beloved hobby that focuses on connecting with nature while respecting the birds in their natural habitat. However, when people first began watching birds, this was not the case. The history of bird watching shows that it was not always an activity in the best interest of the beautiful creatures being observed.

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Bird watching first became a fashionable activity in Britain in the Victorian era. The main objective of watchers was to collect the eggs and skins of the birds they found the most fascinating. Some wealthy enthusiasts even went so far as to make contacts in the American colonies to get specimens of the birds that were indigenous to that part of the world.

The problem, in the early days of this activity, was that shooting the birds was the only way to get close enough to observe them. However, that all changed as more advancements were made in the field of optics. In 1889, Florence Bailey published the first bird watching field guide entitled "Birds Through An Opera Glass" so that people could identify birds without having to harm them.

As watching birds became more popular, groups such as The Audubon Society and American Ornithologists' Union developed. These groups helped bring bird watching to a larger scope of people who may not have considered it as a hobby previously. More importantly, however, they helped raise awareness among bird watchers about respecting the rights of the birds to be observed without being disturbed.

The history of this great activity shows that not only have people become more interested in birds over time, but they have been more conscious of making sure the birds are not hurt in the name of a hobby or research. As a result of these developments, it 샌즈카지노 is easy to learn about the behaviors of birds in addition to their physical characteristics. Thanks to the early pioneers of bird watching, it is now a very popular activity for people of all ages from all over the world.

If you're a birder, you want to keep a list of sightings when you bird watch. Your life lists should be kept in a bird watching journal.

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!"