For a first life list
Make the first entry count
A life list gives new birders a clear place to begin: note a species you have encountered, then add to the record as your interest and experience grow. You do not need a long list to start keeping one.
For an ongoing record
Keep your sightings together
Experienced birders can use a life list to keep an ongoing record of species encountered across outings and seasons. Looking back through your own list can bring earlier sightings into view and help you choose what to notice next.