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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Essex Tern" data-source="post: 1618116" data-attributes="member: 40213">Hi all,Just thought I would join the list debate.Indeed there is nothing wrong in it, and it is up to the individual how far they want to take it - for example this year I decided not to do a year list as I felt that was taking something away from my birding enjoyment, the constant pressure to add to it and improve the total in the time allocated, i.e. a year, seemed too short for me and not that relaxing - but I have continued my life list, and have put more focus on my Essex list, which I hadn't until this year kept properly, although it was very easy to make from my life list - my Essex list isn't that far behind my life list which was quite nice to find.It is always nice to add to any list, and that is where your style of birding comes into play - I am serious but not a twitcher, that is why I don't have a huge list, but that means there are always new birds to see which is nice to know, but I know I won't get them every time I go out, but if I do then that should be special for me. If I learn my usual species well then if something special crops up, hopefully that will make the ID process easier.My view is that everyone keeps a list, whether it be on paper, on computer, or in their head - if you see a new bird, it is a new bird to what? - your life list of course! - no harm in keeping a record in case you start to forget things later on.</blockquote>