One of FRNC’s new citizen science initiatives is tracking the birds on our property. We do this with the help of eBird, an online database that collects and archives data regarding birds around the world. A collaborative effort managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, eBird is one of the world’s largest biodiversity-related science projects.
People with all levels of birding experience can use eBird. The website offers a free, self-paced course called eBird Essentials that walks new users through the program. Once you’ve made an account, you can document which birds you see and view birds submitted by other users. To ensure reliability, eBird employs regional experts to review submitted data.
So far this year, Nature Center visitors and staff have spotted and listed 95 species on eBird. In addition to noting where and when they find a bird, users can also upload photos and audio clips of bird calls. Take a look at some pictures taken by eBird users at the Nature Center.
If you want to help local bird populations throughout the cold months, you can order birdseed through FRNC’s annual Birdseed Sale. Click here for more information and to order online. Orders are due October 14.