Nature

What is a Life List of Birds?

If you’ve ever met an avid birdwatcher, chances are they’ve mentioned their “life list.” But what exactly is a life list of birds?

A bird life list is a personal record of all the bird species an individual has observed and identified in their lifetime. It’s a cherished log for birders—part journal, part checklist, and part bucket list. For many, it’s not just about tallying birds; it’s about the memories, places, and experiences tied to each sighting.

Birders usually begin their life list when they start birdwatching seriously. Some keep handwritten journals, others use printed field guides with boxes to check, while many today rely on apps like Cornell Lab’s Merlin Bird ID, which can track sightings, locations, and even generate personal statistics.

The rules? They’re personal—but typically, a bird only makes the list if the observer can confidently identify it by sight or sound, and it must be seen in the wild (no zoo or pet shop parrots, for example!). Some birders create multiple life lists: a global list, a yard list, a state or park list, or even a “Big Year” list—counting how many species they see in a single year.

For residents or visitors of biodiverse areas like Kiawah River, a life list is a fun and fulfilling way to connect with nature. With birds like Painted Buntings, Wood Storks, and Ospreys making regular appearances, the Charleston Sea Islands offer rich opportunities to add to your list throughout the year.

Creating a bird life list invites you to slow down, listen, look up, and savor each encounter with the avian world. Whether you have five birds or five hundred on your list, every sighting is a small wonder worth remembering.