From Birds to Pages: How My Birding Journal Tells a Story (With Examples & Free Printable Colouring Page)

Birdwatching is more than just an activity—it’s a passion, a deep connection with nature, and a way to capture fleeting moments that often go unnoticed. Over the years, I’ve discovered that one of the best ways to truly appreciate and immerse myself in this hobby is through journalling. My birding journal is not just a collection of names and dates—it’s a narrative that tells the story of my experiences, growth, and the world of birds that surrounds us.

The Joy of Birdwatching: Connecting with Nature One Bird At A Time

birding birdwatching journal example hand written notes with pen stickers

The Beauty of Observation

When I first started birdwatching, my journal was a simple record of species, locations, and times of observation. But as I spent more time in nature, I began to realise how much more there was to capture. Birds are fleeting, often appearing only for a few moments before flying away, leaving only traces of their presence behind. A journal, however, allows me to preserve those moments forever.

In the beginning, my entries were sparse. A few notes about a robin hopping on the lawn or the startling flash of a blue tit’s wings as it darted past. Over time, though, the entries became richer. I started recording not just the birds I saw, but the way the morning sunlight caught the feathers of the birds, or how the sound of birds pierced through the early mist of a spring morning. The pages started to reflect more than just data—they began to hold stories.

A Deeper Connection

As my birding journal evolved, so did my relationship with the birds I was observing. No longer were they just distant creatures in a field guide; they became characters in a narrative. The northern cardinal that returned to my backyard every winter became a symbol of perseverance, while the monarch butterfly that paused for a brief rest on a branch told a story of migration and endurance. Each bird was no longer just a dot in the margins of my observations; it was part of a larger tapestry of life.

My journal started to reflect these changes. Instead of just jotting down names, I began to describe behaviours, emotions, and connections. For example, I wrote about how I experienced a quiet sense of peace that washed over me as I watched a mother duck lead her ducklings to the pond. Through these personal reflections, I began to see my journal not as a checklist, but as a tool for deepening my connection to the natural world around me.

A Story in the Pages

What I love most about my birding journal is the way it tells a story that only I can fully understand. Each entry is like a chapter, each page building on the last. The weathered notebook becomes a timeline of seasons, a record of moments that can never be duplicated again. If I flip through the pages, I see not only the birds I’ve encountered, but the changes in my own perspective as well.

For instance, in the early days, I was focused purely on identification. How quickly could I figure out what species I was observing? What field marks did I need to remember? As time went on, my entries shifted from technical observations to more personal ones. I began to include whimsical sketches of the birds, capturing not just their form but the way they fit into the landscape. I would write about how I felt when I saw a particular bird, or what thoughts were running through my mind as I watched them interact with their environment.

whimsical robin bird sketch outline colouring page

These details are what transform my birding journal into a story—one that reflects not just the life of the birds I encounter, but my own journey as a birdwatcher. It’s a chronicle of how I’ve grown, both as a naturalist and as a person. My journal is filled with lessons learned, moments of joy, and sometimes even moments of frustration when I couldn’t capture a bird in my journal or when I missed an opportunity to see something rare. Each page is a reminder that birdwatching is not just about the birds—it’s about the experiences and the personal growth that comes from spending time in nature.

A Living, Breathing Record

The beauty of a birding journal is that it’s a living, breathing document. Every season brings new experiences, new species, and new insights. In the spring, I watch for migrating warblers, while in the winter, I keep an eye out for snowy owls. Sometimes, the birds in my journal reflect changes in the world around me—the effects of climate change, or how urbanisation is impacting bird populations.

My birding journal doesn’t just tell the story of birds; it tells the story of the world they inhabit. It’s a reflection of the natural cycles, the ebb and flow of life, and the delicate balance that exists between species. In a way, my journal is a small, humble attempt to make sense of that larger story—a story that is always changing, and yet always constant in its beauty.

Conclusion: More Than Just Birds

Looking back on my birding journal, I see more than just a list of birds. I see a rich tapestry of experiences, emotions, and reflections that capture not just the lives of the birds I’ve observed, but the way those birds have shaped my own life. The act of journalling has become a way for me to preserve memories, learn from nature, and tell a story that spans seasons and years.

Each bird that lands in my backyard, every migration I witness, and every moment of stillness I experience becomes part of the narrative. My birding journal is more than just pages filled with names—it’s a living testament to the stories that unfold in the natural world, and how they shape our own stories in turn. It’s a reminder that, as birdwatchers, we’re not just observing nature—we’re part of it, telling its story one page at a time.

Sadie @ InsideMyNest

Hi 👋, I’m Sadie—wife to a super supportive husband (also my business partner) and busy mum of two young children (the biggest miracles of my life). Every illustration you see here has been hand-illustrated by me (with several hours spent on some of them… yes, think I’m still a bit old-school), and all images are original photos that I have taken myself or of my own handmade creations. But I’m no expert, or have had any specialised training—just someone who is learning and would like to share that learning journey with like-minded individuals who are on the same boat as me :)

See Full Bio