Tips for Using eBird to Discover Birds - Part 2

Using eBird is essential for locating rare or hard-to-find birds in the U.S. By leveraging the platform's community-driven data, you can quickly pinpoint recent sightings. Make sure you read our first post with tips for getting the most out of eBird.

Here are three common and effective strategies, illustrated with hypothetical examples:

1. Using "Rare Bird Alerts" for Out-of-Range Species

Goal: Find a bird that is not typically found in your state (a rarity or vagrant).

eBird Strategy: Set up and monitor email alerts for your desired region.

Example: Locating a Eurasian Wigeon in New York

1. Set an Alert: A birder in New York (where the species is rare) would go to the eBird Alerts page for their county or state and set up a Rare Bird Alert.
2. Receive Notification: When an observer submits a checklist containing a Eurasian Wigeon (a typically Old World duck that sometimes strays to the U.S.) in a New York location, eBird flags the sighting and immediately sends the birder an email notification.
3. Mobilize: The birder checks the linked checklist details. The details show the specific location is "Lake Success Hotspot," the date was "yesterday morning," and the comments say, "Male seen with American Wigeon flock near the eastern cove parking lot."
4. Result: The birder drives to the precise location the next morning, confident they have a specific, recent, and highly localized data point to find the rare duck.

2. Using "Species Maps" for Endemic or Hard-to-Find Residents

Goal: Locate a bird that is shy, lives in very specific, remote habitats, or has a limited distribution.

eBird Strategy: Use the Explore Species map view to find clusters of recent sightings during the correct season.

Example: Finding a Gunnison Sage-Grouse in Colorado

1. Check Season and Range: The birder knows that Gunnison Sage-Grouse are only found in a small part of Colorado/Utah and are most visible at communal display sites called leks in the spring.
2. Explore Species Map: They navigate to Explore -> Explore Species and search for "Gunnison Sage-Grouse." They then click on the Species Map.
3. Filter for Recency: The birder adjusts the map filter to show only observations from the current spring season (e.g., "March-April") over the last few years.
4. Pinpoint Hotspots: The map reveals a tight cluster of recent sightings (red pins) around a specific "Gunnison County Lek" hotspot. By clicking on a recent checklist, the birder finds comments like, "Observed five displaying males at dawn on the ridge overlooking the turnout."
5. Result: The birder knows the exact, small area and time window (predawn/dawn) where other birders have successfully seen this highly localized and secretive species.

3. Using "Hotspot Bar Charts" to Determine the Best Time

Goal: Find a migrant or seasonal species that is only present for a short window at a known birding location.

eBird Strategy: Analyze the historical data in a Hotspot's Bar Chart to identify the peak period of occurrence.

Example: Locating a Black-throated Blue Warbler in Ohio

1. Identify Location: A birder knows that a local patch, "Highlands Metro Park," is good for spring migrants, but they want to maximize their chances for a specific target, the Black-throated Blue Warbler.
2. Check the Bar Chart: They navigate to Explore Hotspots, find "Highlands Metro Park," and click on the Bar Charts tab.
3. Analyze Data: The birder scrolls down to the warblers section and finds the entry for the Black-throated Blue Warbler. The bar chart shows the species' occurrence probability peaking sharply in the second and third weeks of May, with little to no presence before late April or after the end of May.
4. Plan the Trip: Based on the data, the birder plans their visit for May 10th-17th.
5. Result: By using the historical frequency data, the birder optimizes their timing, significantly increasing their probability of encountering the species during its migratory peak at that specific U.S. location.

Wrapping Up

eBird is a powerful, indispensable tool for planning bird-watching trips, transforming travel into a highly targeted and successful birding adventure.

• Use the Hotspot Explorer feature to find locations (parks, trails, refuges) known for bird diversity and abundance, based on data submitted by the global birding community.
• Target Specific Habitats: Quickly see which hotspots are near your travel destination and choose those with the right mix of habitats (wetlands, forests, coastlines) to maximize your species count.
• Locate Rarities: Set up Rare Bird Alerts for a region to receive immediate email notifications when a bird that is unusual or out-of-range is sighted, giving you the best chance to chase it.
• Check Recent Sightings: Review the Recent Sightings for a region or hotspot to see what birds have been reported in the last few days, confirming what is currently present.

• Analyze Seasonal Abundance: Use Bar Charts for any region or hotspot to view historical data on the relative frequency and presence of every species throughout the year.
• View Trip Reports: Read eBird Trip Reports submitted by other users who have visited the area, providing valuable insights on trail conditions, local tips, and successful itineraries.

In short, eBird allows you to plan a birding trip that is data-driven, letting you know the what, when, and where of birding before you even leave home.

Tips for Using eBird to Discover Birds - Part 1