Avid bird watchers are notorious for keeping lists. They compile a life list, a list for the year, day lists and location lists. Such activity is enjoyable, broadens their experience, fulfills their competitive drive and sharpens the skills so important to their hobby.
I recommend that amateur naturalists also develop the habit of keeping lists; an inventory of plants and animals on your property is perhaps the best project. Regardless of the size of your yard, you will soon be amazed by the variety of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals that populate your inventory. Truly committed participants could include weeds, grasses, fungi, insects and other invertebrates. New species are added over time as they drop by, fly over, wander in or germinate.
The production of this inventory will provide many hours of entertainment, introduce you to new species and increase your awareness of both the diversity and interdependence of life forms that inhabit your personal ecosystem. Hopefully, this will inspire your interest in all of Earth's species and encourage your support for conservation programs across the globe.
