A field journal is the tool professional naturalists and biologists use to record their observations of nature. It is a written account of field experiences and observations in a diary-like format....

A field journal is the tool professional naturalists and biologists use to record their observations of nature. It is a written account of field experiences and observations in a diary-like format. The entries are written in complete sentences and narrate what is observed. Observations may be recorded directly into the journal in the field, or may be transcribed from a field notebook. (In this case the author takes the scribbled notes and partial sentences from the notebook and turns them into coherent sentences in the journal.) The journal should be written no later than the afternoon or evening of the day of the observations. Don’t let too much time pass (even 24 hours) before writing. Memories fade very quickly.

Each journal entry revolves around direct observations of the natural world. Date, time, conditions (weather etc.), and location should be noted in every entry. Detailed descriptions of organisms observed are important, but don’t get bogged down in the taxonomy; common names or broader taxonomic groups are fine for this assignment. If you can’t identify an organism, provide a really detailed description and make a drawing so identification could be done at a later date. The details are important, but don’t loose site of the big picture. Broad landscape and vegetation patterns are important too.

Awareness of patterns is the hallmark of a good scientist. The challenge is to take in the big picture and the details simultaneously. This is a difficult balance for most of us, and may take many years to master. Do the best you can; be patient with yourself; enjoy the experience