Citizen Science for Birders

Every time you identify a bird and record the observation, you have the potential to contribute to science. Citizen science programs transform the everyday activity of birdwatching into a powerful conservation tool by aggregating observations from thousands of volunteers into datasets that professional researchers use to track populations, document range shifts, and identify conservation priorities.

Major Programs

eBird

The world's largest biodiversity-related citizen science project, operated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Birders submit checklists recording the species they observe, the location, the date, and the effort involved. Over 100 million observations are submitted annually, making eBird an unparalleled resource for understanding bird distribution and abundance.

Christmas Bird Count

The longest-running citizen science project in the world, dating to 1900. Held annually in a two-week window around Christmas, volunteers count every bird they see within designated 15-mile-diameter circles. Over a century of data provides invaluable long-term population trend information.

Breeding Bird Survey

A systematic monitoring program conducted along thousands of roadside routes across North America each June. Observers record every bird seen or heard at 50 stops along each route. This data provides the foundation for population trend analyses used by government agencies and conservation organizations.

Global Big Day

An annual one-day birding event organized by eBird, inviting birders worldwide to submit as many checklists as possible in a single 24-hour period. The event generates a snapshot of global bird distribution and demonstrates the reach of the birding community.

NestWatch

A Cornell Lab program focused on breeding biology. Volunteers monitor active bird nests and report data on nesting success, clutch size, and causes of nest failure. This data helps researchers understand how environmental changes affect breeding productivity.

How to Participate

1. Create an eBird account — Free and available worldwide
2. Download the Merlin Bird ID app — AI-powered identification assistance for birds you're not sure about
3. Submit complete checklists — Recording all species you observe (not just rarities) provides the most useful data
4. Be consistent — Regular visits to the same location reveal trends that single visits cannot
5. Join organized counts — Contact your local Audubon chapter for Christmas Bird Count and other group events

The Impact

Citizen science data has been used to:

• Identify species experiencing rapid population declines before they reach critical levels
• Document northward range shifts associated with climate change
• Map stopover sites used by migratory species
• Assess the effectiveness of habitat restoration projects
• Inform government decisions about endangered species listings

Your binoculars are a scientific instrument. Use them.