Format
The restricted length of a Field Note doesn’t leave a lot of room for text, so you should get to the point right away. The usual format is to introduce the reader to an observation you made in the field during the time of the year when the Field Note is to be aired. After relating the observation (usually focused on the natural history of Montana), the bulk of the Field Note should involve an interpretation of the observation. Field Notes should be typewritten and not exceed two double-spaced typed pages, or about 600 words. When read aloud, they should run between 3 and 4 minutes.
Research
Once you’ve made your observations in the field and narrowed down the question that you want to focus on, head to the library or other resource. First, you will need to identify the species that you observed, if you don’t already know it’s name. Second, search for the explanation of the behavior or characteristic that you observed. Current professional literature or popular science/nature magazines are good sources and have reliable information. You can use the internet, but be sure that your source is credible. Talking with an expert, such as a teacher or other professional is also a good way to learn more about what you observed.
Writing the Field Note
When you sit down to put your observation and research on paper, remember that you are trying to interpret for an audience that may not have a sophisticated understanding of the way natural systems work. Be sure to define scientific terms and avoid errors of generalization (”the osprey always carries fish head first to reduce wind resistance”), anthropomorphisms (”despite her fear, the mother wren fed the nestlings”), and group selection (” this behavior promotes the long-term survival of the species”). Also remember that you want to include the listeners in appreciation the natural events happening around them. Talking down to listeners by preaching from the soapbox turns people off. Conservation messages are important, but let the wonders that you are describing speak for themselves.
Taking the Final Step
When you are finished with your Field Note, send it to MNHC, 120 Hickory St, Missoula, Mt 59801, attn. Caroline Kurtz. You can also e-mail it to
editor at MontanaNaturalist.org (note: replace at with@ to have an active e-mail address). Be sure to include your name, address and phone number with your Field Note so we can contact you about any editing and set up a recording date. We can’t run all the Field Notes that we receive because occasionally pieces don’t fit the Field Note format, or they cover topics similar to those recently-aired Field Notes. But a high percentage does make it on the radio, and if you want to give us a call we’d be happy to discuss topics or answer any questions that you may have. Happy Field Note writing!
