Wayward Bird might seem like an odd name for a business, but there is a significance. The Cambridge Dictionary defines the word as follows:

wayward

/ˈweɪwəd/

adjective

not behaving or moving as expected

This notion of going against the flow is appropriate, as I self-publish and operate in a space not occupied by other birdwatching resources. The logbooks provide an introduction or a quick guide, designed to engage and capture interest at first glance. They are accurate but not nerdy; pocket-sized but robust with rounded corners and art-grade paper; as an artist myself the material had to stand up to ink and paint. The illustrations capture not only how the bird looks, but also how is seen: its stance, or posture in the field.

My aim with the booklets is to get people not just looking but also recording what they see, as that observation and note-taking is such a brilliant way to engage and remember. There are numerous studies showing how important writing down notes can be, and using good old-fashioned pen or pencil not only gets us away from the distractions of a screen, but also taps in to a different set of stimuli, as handwriting (especially when scribbling in a small box while resting the booklet on your knee…) requires motor skills and concentration. It reconnects us with the motion of writing, and allows for more creativity. Add more notes; go up the side of the page; scribble on the back cover. I want these booklets to be not just a log of what you have seen but also a book of memories. Does it matter if the booklets get coffee rings on them or are used to jot down a shopping list? No. I love notebooks and pens, and much as I would be lost without my phone, I do genuinely believe our brains need the heterogeneity of handwriting to properly engage with the information.

The logbooks are a labour of love and I am delighted that they have been so well-received. As you can see, I do have history regarding creating a bird book…