Birding is a fun and relaxing activity in and of itself. But did you know that you can also contribute to science while you are enjoying this activity?
There are Group Bird Counts/Collaborative Projects to get involved with if you are interested — examples include the annual Christmas Bird Count which includes local areas like Cades Cove, other parts of the Smokies, and portions of our “Northern Waters” in the Knoxville count.
If you’re not quite ready for a group effort, there are still several ways to contribute without needing to coordinate with others: just familiarize yourself with the protocols!
- Use eBird to document your sightings
- When: Year round, any time and anywhere you happen to be birding!
- How: Use their mobile app or website, following eBird’s best practices.
- Feeder Watch (Requires modest participant fee.)
- When: Season runs November 1-April 30, contribute as you’re able
- How: Sign up using the site above, learn the protocol, submit observations using website or their mobile app
- Great Backyard Bird Count
- When: Usually late February (2023 will be Feb 17-20).
- How: Use either eBird or the Merlin app to document your sightings during the count period, and it will automatically be included
- Nest Watch
- When: During active nesting season (varies by species, generally March through August)
- How: Review information on the website to get certified and learn protocol
- Celebrate Urban Birds
- When: Year round, minimum 1 week commitment
- How: Sign up on the website, learn protocol, submit observations using website or their mobile app.
- iNaturalist
- When: Any time that you are birding
- How: Using either the app OR the website, upload a photo or audio recording with a time/date and location. Optional: You can also join a specific project to add to their knowledge base when observations meet certain requirements!
- Southern Appalachian Common Merganser Mapping Project
- Eastern Red Crossbill Ecology Project – requires photos of the conifer birds are feeding on (pictures of the cones are especially helpful) AND audio recordings of the bird(s)
- Dr. Porter will also accept submissions via email – see his website for details!
- Birds of Tennessee
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Evan Kidd Photography 