Why Use a Logbook?

…rather than an app, or Notes feature on your phone?

Using notebooks is seen as either achingly quaint or downright last-century, even though there is significant research to suggest that the physical act of writing creates richer pathways in our brains than typing or checking a box.

This makes total sense, as we use more muscles and senses to form letters when we write, and we have to think more about doing it. While saving time and energy to complete a task might seem like a move towards ever-increasing efficiency, there is a trade-off: information doesn’t fix in our brains the same way, and perhaps that is why, for all our organisational aids and prompts and devices, we still forget and lack retention.

The logbooks were specifically developed to encourage thought and observation; slowing down and thinking about what it is you are seeing or thought you saw. The illustration of the bird clearly marks distinguishing features to look out for, such as white patches, eyestripes, tails, beaks, shapes and sizes. The accompanying text gives more guidance, such as behaviour, likely places to see the bird, and songs and sounds associated with a particular species.

Birdwatching is often more a process of elimination, and with the combination of clear pictures and concise text, discovering the bird you have spotted will be narrowed down, even if you cannot be 100% sure. Having a selection across the bird families in each logbook means if you think you have seen something similar, then a check in a bird book or online can help confirm.

As an artist I am keen to encourage sketches and notes, and the paper is of a sufficiently high grade to allow for all forms of ink to be used, as well as being beautifully smooth for pencils.

Taking time to record our sightings and write down any pointers or questions not only aids our learning, but cements our thoughts and feelings about a walk or visit or excursion and causing us to stop and consider, properly look and scrutinise, and enjoy a more rewarding experience when out and about in both rural and urban areas.

Who needs a birdwatching logbook?

Here are a few ideas:

• as a memento of a holiday or visit
• a new-home gift for a relative or friend – they post as a standard letter
• people needing a distraction from anxiety or depression
• an end-of-term gift for a teacher or classroom assistant
• Secret Santa
• hostess gift for the friend who has everything
• camping activity
• grandparent/grandchild activity
• to have on hand while waiting for the bus or train
• gift for a friend or relative visiting from another country
• holidaying in an Airbnb
• take on a charity walk
• gift for someone recovering from surgery/isolating
• to cheer someone up! (post in a handmade envelope)
• anyone suffering from climate anxiety and needs reminding of the amazing birds we have
• stick in the glove box of your car
• combine with a bird feeder, nest box or bee hotel for an eco-friendly gift
• the bird-loving artist in your life
• anyone who fondly remembers the I-Spy books
• anyone who prefers colourful illustrations to photos

Can you think of any more reasons to buy a birdwatching logbook? Or indeed, a reason NOT to?