Using a Field Notebook to Gather Information

A field notebook is a small shirt-pocket-sized memo pad where you record your nature observations.It is carried on field trips, hikes and while sitting in your backyard. It is a important part of the Grinnell System of keeping aNaturalist Journal. I always have mine with me.


It is your primary note receptacle. It can contain all sorts of notessuch as directions, books to read, anything you want.

Keeping it with you allows you to take notes while you are observing.Memories can be inaccurate.

Later you may ask yourself was the hawk's eye yellow or red? Had theAmerican Goldfinch's plumage turned from summer breeding to drabberwinter colors?

A memo pad fills up quickly. I go through several each year. When youfill up, one file it away.

From the memo pad a full account of your observations are written inthe field journal.


Hints and Tips

• date every page
• include your name, permanent address, telephone and emailon the inside front cover
• write tor tape a the daily observation checklist on the back cover

From Field Notebook Return to Grinnell Journal System