How to build a lifer list
3 minute read
Have you seen that bird before? Here are some suggestions for creating a ‘lifer list’ using a notebook and pen or a free app on your phone.
Maintaining a ‘lifer list’
A ‘lifer’ is a bird species that you have seen for the first time in your life.
Birdwatchers commonly keep a record of these ‘lifers’, which is known as a ‘lifer list’. Maintaining a lifer list can add a level of challenge and thrill to your birdwatching experience, and it can also help you celebrate the new birds that you have seen.
A lifer list may even lead to you becoming to ‘twitcher’. A ‘twitcher’ is a dedicated birdwatcher who actively seeks out new birds for their lifer list, sometimes travelling great distances to do so.
Using a notebook
If you prefer to hand-write your lifer list, create a dedicated birdwatching notebook. Here's how to get started:
Choose your notebook - find a notebook that's easy to carry with you on your birdwatching adventures. A small journal or a pocket-sized notebook might be best.
Record essential details - when you see a new bird, write down the bird's name, the date, location, and any special observations or behaviours that caught your eye.
Organise your entries - you could organise by species names, date, family, habitat or exact location.
Decorate and Personalise - if you’re feeling creative, you decorate your notebook with sketches, stickers or other personal touches.
Using an app
Birding apps on smartphones are becoming increasingly popular because they can be backed up digitally. This means you will never lose your lifer list! Here are some tips for using apps:
Choosing an app - one of our favourite combinations is combining Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Merlin Bird ID and eBird apps to identify and count birds, and build a lifer list. Australian apps like Birds of Australia and PK Birds also have lifer list functionality. BirdLife Australia’s Birdata will also help you keep a list of what you’ve seen.
Logging your sightings - whenever you see a new bird, open the app and log your sighting. Most apps will guide you through the process, asking for details like the date, time, and location.
Exploring resources - birding apps often provide valuable resources, such as field guides, bird songs, and bird identification tools.
Maintaining your lifer list
After you’ve decided what method you will use to create your lifer list, here are some tips to help you maintain and enrich it:
Set goals - challenge yourself to spot specific birds or visit different habitats.
Stay consistent - whether you use a notebook or a birding app, make it a habit to log your sightings as soon as possible. The fresher the memory, the more accurate your entries will be.
Add context - record not just the name of the bird but also the date, time, location, and any interesting behaviours or observations you make. This information can be a treasure trove for learning about bird behaviour and migration patterns.
Share your experiences - you might like to make some birdwatching buddies, join a local group or share your lifer list with friends and family. There are also birdwatching groups on Facebook and other social media platforms if you would like to connect with a wider community.
Weekend Birder episodes
Weekend Birder podcast is here to help you level-up your binocular skills. Hear the advice and stories from other birdwatchers in these short episodes:
