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Using eBird

A beginner’s guide to listing

Common Bird Monitoring Program

12-15 February 2016

eBird India

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What is eBird?

A global, internet-based checklist program

  • for gathering observations of birds
  • for birders to maintain their personal records.

In this way, eBird

  • gathers baseline data on bird distribution and abundance
  • disseminates information for public and scientific use
  • Backend for global programmes like Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) – we use GBBC for Common Bird Monitoring.

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Go to www.ebird.org to sign up for a free account

Creating an account

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Creating an account

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Set your preferences so that you see names you are used to!

Choose “Species Name Display” as: English (India)

Setting account preferences

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Here is a step-by-step guide to submitting a bird list

Click on ‘Submit Observations’ after logging in

Submitting a list

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The first time you submit a list, choose ‘Find it on a Map’

Submitting a list

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Select Country as India, and leave the rest blank

Submitting a list

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Begin typing in the search box to find a location near you

Submitting a list

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An existing red marker indicates a public birding location (or ‘hotspot’)

If this is your location, click on the red marker to choose it

Submitting a list

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If there is no existing marker, click on your location and add a name

Suggest it as a ‘hotspot’ unless it is a private location (eg, your home)

Submitting a list

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On the next screen, select the date of your list, and the type of list

Most lists fall under one of the three types listed

Submitting a list

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Once an Observation Type is selected, add more information about your birding effort; and add comments for your later reference

Submitting a list

For CBMP, choose 15 minutes only.

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Now to your bird list! Search for the first species using the box at top right.

When you select the species...

Submitting a list

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… the page automatically scrolls down to the text box for that species, where you can enter your count...

… and add further details and comments if you wish

Submitting a list

If you haven’t counted individuals, type an ‘X’ in the box, indicating that you have seen/heard the species

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When done, you will be asked whether you are submitting a complete list. Say ‘Yes’

Atleast three such 15 minutes list every day between 13-16 February 2014

Submitting a list

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Further information

Global

  • eBird main website (www.ebird.org), and online help (help.ebird.org)
  • eBird on Facebook and Twitter

India

  • BirdCount India (eBird in India): Google group, Facebook, Twitter
  • Further questions? Email birdcountindia@gmail.com