How to Set Up and Use eBird for Logging Bird Observations

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eBird lets you log sightings to help bird conservation while tracking your own birding activity. You can use the mobile app or website to submit checklists. The process involves creating an account, taking a free course, entering detailed observations with location and counts, and following best practices to ensure your data supports scientific research.

What you need

• Internet-connected device
• eBird Mobile app or access to eBird.org
• eBird user account

Steps

1. Sign up for a free eBird account, which is necessary to save your bird observations and access features across Cornell Lab projects.
2. Complete the free, self-paced eBird Essentials course to learn how to use the platform's features effectively before submitting data.
3. Download the eBird Mobile app or use the eBird.org website; the app allows you to download regional Bird Packs and often increases the frequency of checklist-making due to its ease of use, while the website offers a video tutorial for guidance.
4. Begin a checklist by selecting a protocol (traveling, stationary, or incidental), and enter the location, date, observation type, and a list of birds with counts and details; the app will automatically time the session and track mileage.
5. Press Stop to end the checklist, review your entries, and submit; if you are not at a hotspot, you can rename the location or leave coordinates to protect privacy.
6. Adhere to eBird best practices to maintain data quality for conservation efforts, then use features like species maps, hotspots, regional summaries, bar charts, eBird alerts, and My eBird to explore sightings and track your activity across years.

Notes

My eBird lets you manage lists and compare birding activity over time. The checklist protocols help you log observations based on your specific birding circumstances.

Why it works

Supporting Conservation

Submitting complete checklists with accurate details ensures the data is useful for scientific research and bird conservation efforts.

Related on Birdwatching Bible: How to Identify Bird Sounds with Merlin Bird ID, How to Join the Christmas Bird Count, How to Identify Fall Warblers and Little Brown Sparrows, How to Plan a Beginner Birding Field Trip.

If it goes wrong

Privacy concerns

If you are not birding at a designated hotspot, you can rename the location or input custom coordinates to keep your exact location private.

Need guidance

If you prefer the website over the app, a video tutorial is available to walk you through submitting checklists.