Enhance Your Birdwatching Experience with the Best Birding Apps and Websites

Hey there, fellow birding enthusiasts! In today’s digital age, birdwatching has become more accessible and engaging than ever before, thanks to a plethora of birding apps and websites. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned birder, these tools can help you identify birds, log sightings, learn bird songs, and connect with a vibrant community of birders. Let’s explore some must-have apps and websites that will elevate your birdwatching adventures.

Must-Have Birding Apps

1. Merlin Bird ID

Merlin Bird ID, developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is a powerful app for identifying birds. It offers features such as Photo ID, Sound ID, and regional bird packs with expert-verified lists for specific areas around the world. You can download Merlin Bird ID on iOS and Android.

2. eBird Mobile

Also from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, eBird Mobile allows you to log your bird sightings directly from your phone. Key features include easy checklist submission, real-time data on bird species spotted in your area, and the ability to track your life list and share sightings with the birding community. You can download eBird Mobile on iOS and Android.

3. Audubon Bird Guide

The Audubon Bird Guide app is an excellent resource for bird identification and information. It offers a detailed field guide for over 800 North American bird species, a library of bird calls, and the ability to log your sightings and explore recent observations in your area. You can download Audubon Bird Guide on iOS and Android.

Websites and Online Communities

1. eBird.org

eBird is a comprehensive online platform where birders can log sightings, access global bird data, and participate in citizen science. Highlights include contributing to and accessing one of the largest citizen science databases in the world, interactive species maps, and detailed information on bird hotspots and recent sightings. You can visit eBird at eBird.org.

2. BirdForum.net

BirdForum is an active online community where birders from around the world share sightings, discuss birding topics, and seek advice. It features discussion boards covering a wide range of birding topics, a user-submitted photo gallery of bird sightings, and resources such as identification guides and book reviews. You can join the community at BirdForum.net.

3. All About Birds

Another resource from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds offers a wealth of information on bird species, birdwatching tips, and bird behavior. Key resources include detailed species profiles with photos, sounds, and range maps, online courses and tutorials on bird identification and birdwatching skills, and live streaming bird cams from various locations. You can explore All About Birds at allaboutbirds.org.

Birding apps and sites

These birding apps and websites are invaluable tools for enhancing your birdwatching experience. Whether you're identifying a new bird, logging your sightings, or connecting with fellow birders, these resources provide the information and community support you need. So, download these apps, visit these websites, and dive deeper into the wonderful world of birding. Happy birdwatching!