I won't offer an opinion about listing software. (I just use an Excel file, myself.) However, I will venture to suggest that, more important than the software, is that you keep a field notebook.

I use the spiral-bound Rite-in-the-Rain notebooks. For every site on a trip, I write location, date, and notes (habitat, weather, companions, random philosophical thoughts) on the left page and the list of species I saw/heard on the opposite right page. No matter what listing software you buy, or don't buy, you need the field notebook. Try to take the time to write legibly, even if you've been birding in the cold wind all day and can't hardly feel your fingers.

Kelly Cassidy
Pullman, WA
mailto:lostriver at completebbs.com