Birding and Nature Journaling: Special Technique

Let’s combine birding and Nature Journaling  to see more birds, learn faster, improve our memory of field marks, and go deeper with each bird. In this video I show you how to use a secret technique to have more close encounters with birds. This approach can help you whether you are a birder or a nature journaler . You might be surprised because it is not what you think.

“The watched pot never boils”

Everyone has heard the above expression. However, not everyone knows that it applies to birding. In fact, the expression could be “the watched bird never does what you want.” Many times the watched area may not produce birds at all. Most birders and animal lovers have had this experience in nature. This experience can be especially difficult for bird photographers and artists. As soon as you see the bird it will turn away or leave. How can we solve this problem?

Secret Technique for Birding and Nature Journaling

1. First, we are going to pretend like we are not looking for birds.
2. Next choose a location that is comfortable and of varied habitat.
3. Bring a comfy chair, binoculars and nature journaling supplies.
4. Start drawing a tree or painting a landscapito.
5. After about 20 minutes I find that the birds start to come to you. Be sure that you have your binoculars ready.
6. Create a sidebar or reserve a blank area next to your tree drawing or landscape painting for recording your bird observations.

What if I’m new to nature journaling?

• Nature Journaling is not focused on drawing pretty pictures. If you focus too much on pretty pictures or you have unconscious expectations about prettiness you will struggle more.
• Focus on what you notice.
• Turn your drawing into a diagram. This takes pressure off the art.
• Trace shadows. If you are afraid to draw a tree, try sitting under one and tracing cast shadows on your page.
• Trace leaves. This is another low risk method you can try.
• Remember that nature journaling uses 3 languages: words, images, and numbers. Try to use them all.
• Experiment with your own ways to combine birding and nature journaling.

What if I’m new to birding?

• It is ok if you cannot identify birds at first. Sometimes you can notice more about things when you do not know their names. Just write down or sketch the features you notice about them.
• Try looking up birds when you get home.
• Try going with friends who are more experienced birders. Maybe introduce them to nature journaling.
• Experiment with other ways to combine nature journaling and birding.

For more fun how to nature journaling videos.

For an in-depth guide to drawing birds check out this video from John Muir Laws.

See how nature journaling can make you a better birder.