Nature Journaling and Sketching for Birders

It all begins with an idea. Journaling and sketching can greatly enhance your birdwatching experience by helping you observe details more closely and retain information.

Here are a few tips to get started:

Use a dedicated notebook

Make sure you include your date and location

Identify the species

Note bird behaviors

Describe the habitat

Weather conditions

Add your personal impressions

Use a good quality sketchbook and pencils. Waterproof Pens and colored pencils can add detail and interest to your sketches. Start by using simple shapes to capture the bird’s posture and proportions, and then focus on key features like beak shape, wing patterns and tail length. Begin to add details gradually and darken lines as you refine your sketch. Stay patient and enjoy. A great example of nature journaling is “The Backyard Bird Chronicles” by Amy Tan https://amytan.net/backyard-bird-chronicles

If you are interested in a trip or instruction on bird sketching and journaling please join our membership and reach out to Florida Gulfcoast Birdwatching Tours to create a trip for you.