Lifer List

A lifer list is a record of every bird species you've seen for the first time. It’s a great way to track your birdwatching journey and celebrate new sightings. This guide shares how to build your lifer list using a notebook or free birding apps.

What is a lifer list?

A lifer is a bird species you’ve seen for the first time in your life. A lifer list is your personal record of those birds — and a great way to track your progress and celebrate each new discovery.

Some birdwatchers even take it further and become ‘twitchers’: people who travel far and wide to add new lifers to their list.

Whether you’re keeping it casual or diving in deep, here’s how to start your own lifer list.

Using a notebook

Prefer pen and paper? A notebook is a great way to stay connected to your birdwatching experiences. Here’s how to get started:

Choose a notebook
Pick something easy to carry - a pocket-sized journal or small sketchbook works well.

Record your sightings
For each new bird, write down:

  • The species name

  • The date

  • The location

  • Any special notes about what it was doing, how it looked, or how you felt

Organise your entries
You can sort them by bird family, date, location, or however feels right for you.

Make it your own
If you’re feeling creative, add sketches, stickers or personal touches to make it a recording of your personal birdwatching journey.

Photo is of a man wearing birdwatching gear writing in his notebook. The text overlay says some birdwatcher carry a notebook to write down their lifer list

Using a birdwatching app

Digital lifer lists are becoming more popular, especially with free apps that sync and back up your sightings. Here’s how to use an app to build your lifer list:

Choose an app

Log your sightings
Open the app when you spot a new bird and enter the species, date, location, and any notes.

Explore features
Many apps include field guides, bird calls, maps and tools that can help you learn more as you go.

Screenshot of Merlin Bird ID app

Maintaining your list

After you’ve decided what method you will use to create your lifer list, here are some tips to help you maintain and enrich it:

  • Set goals - challenge yourself to spot specific birds or visit different habitats.

  • Stay consistent - whether you use a notebook or a birding app, make it a habit to log your sightings as soon as possible. The fresher the memory, the more accurate your entries will be.

  • Add context - record not just the name of the bird but also the date, time, location, and any interesting behaviours or observations you make. This information can be a treasure trove for learning about bird behaviour and migration patterns.

  • Share your experiences - you might like to make some birdwatching buddies, join a local group or share your lifer list with friends and family. There are also birdwatching groups on Facebook and other social media platforms if you would like to connect with a wider community.

The Weekend Birder logo is made up of an illustration of a Superb Fairywren in front of a green circle

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