It’s a question I get asked quite a lot: ‘Do you keep a bird list?’

And the answer, dear reader, is yes—I do. Several, in fact. But before you picture me poring over spreadsheets or ticking furiously in a little leather-bound notebook, let me assure you: it’s not quite like that. Well, not entirely.

You see, listing birds isn’t about competition or showing off (though the odd rare find does spark a bit of healthy excitement). For me, it’s about connection. A bird list—whether for the year, a local patch, or even your own back garden—is a quiet, personal way to mark time, remember moments, and tune into the seasons.

Birding, like many hobbies, can sometimes feel overwhelming. There’s always more to learn, more to see. A list gives a bit of structure—a framework to help you focus. Whether it’s a patch list, a year list, or even a single day’s tally, writing birds down encourages you to really look, and to keep looking. It turns a quiet walk into a little treasure hunt.