About Us
Founded in 2016, Life List Notebooks was born out of the frustration of not being able to find a durable, pocket-sized notebook made specifically for birding. Most options were either too bulky to carry every day or too flimsy to survive long hours in the field. I set out to design something better—compact, rugged notebooks with a variety of paper and interior layouts, each featuring a different bird species. Our hope is that these notebooks are carried with you on your outdoor adventures, filled with notes, sketches, and sightings. And when they’re full, they become more than just used notebooks—they’re lasting records of time spent in nature and tangible mementos to look back on for years to come.
Sustainability
Our standard editions are printed in the U.S. using covers from French Paper Company and interior pages from Finch. French Paper has been powering their mill with 100% renewable hydropower since 1922, eliminating the need for fossil fuels and dramatically reducing carbon emissions. Their hydroelectric plant not only provides clean energy but also includes a fish ladder to help salmon and other native species safely bypass the dam during migration—an uncommon and thoughtful commitment to local ecosystems. It’s a small detail, but one that reflects the kind of care we value in the materials we choose.
Custom Cover
We can also create a one-of-a-kind notebook for your next birding adventure. Whether it’s a gift for a friend with a favorite bird, a tribute to the spark bird that started your own journey, or a target species you’re hoping to spot on an upcoming trip, we’ll turn it into something personal and meaningful. It’s a great way to carry inspiration into the field—and back home again. Click the photo above to check out our single custom notebook option and start designing yours.
Handy Pocket Ruler
A ruler might not seem essential—until you're in the field trying to ID a feather, measure a beetle, or compare flower parts. Whether you're birding, fishing, exploring, or even at the hardware store, scale matters. That’s why every Life List Notebook includes a dual-inch and centimeter ruler printed right inside the back cover. If you’ve got your notebook, you’ve got a ruler. Want to put it to the test? Follow us on an Instagram account dedicated to the @handypocketruler, where we post mystery measurements from the field. Guess correctly, and you’ll be entered to win a free notebook—every week!