Imagine you're on a morning walk and spot a rare warbler you've never seen before—instead of just storing that memory in your mind, you can instantly document it for science while connecting with a global community that shares your fascination. This is the powerful experience that eBird delivers, transforming casual birdwatching into meaningful citizen science. Think of it as your digital field notebook that's connected to one of the world's largest biodiversity databases, where every observation contributes to our understanding of bird populations and conservation needs. It's not just another nature app; it's your gateway to becoming part of a global research project that turns your passion for birds into valuable data that helps protect them.
Features That Enhance Birding and Conservation
- Global Bird Database Access: Check what species other birders are finding in your area and explore hotspots around the world
- Personal Life List Tracking: Maintain your lifetime bird sightings with automatic organization by location and date
- Real-Time Alerts: Receive notifications when rare or unusual birds are reported in your locations of interest
- Offline Capability: Record observations in remote areas without cell service, with automatic sync when connection returns
- Interactive Maps & Hotspots: Explore birding locations with detailed maps showing recent sightings and species frequency
Who Is eBird Perfect For?
- Backyard bird enthusiasts: wanting to document their regular visitors and contribute to local science
- Serious birders and listers: tracking their life lists and seeking rare species notifications
- Traveling birdwatchers: planning trips and wanting to know what species to expect in new locations
- Citizen scientists and educators: using real data for learning, teaching, and conservation advocacy
- Research ornithologists: accessing the world's largest bird observation dataset for scientific study
Why eBird Stands Out
- Scientific Impact: Every observation contributes to peer-reviewed research and conservation decisions
- Global Community: Connects you with millions of birders worldwide sharing sightings and knowledge
- Cornell Lab Credibility: Developed and maintained by one of the world's most respected bird research institutions
- Data Quality Focus: Careful review process ensures observations meet scientific standards
- Completely Free Access: No cost for using any features—supported by grants and donations to advance ornithology
How to Use eBird
- Click the button "Check All Versions" below to download and install eBird on your device or browser.
- Create Your Account: Set up your profile and familiarize yourself with the data submission guidelines
- Start with Backyard Observations: Practice submitting checklists from familiar locations to learn the process
- Explore Local Hotspots: Use the map features to discover productive birding locations near you
- Set Up Alerts: Configure notifications for rare birds in your county or other areas you frequently visit
- Review Your Data: Explore your personal birding statistics and contribution to scientific knowledge
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