Translate to: English | Español | Français
About eBird

Using the Data Import Tool for quicker data entry

When team eBird goes into the field, we bring a laptop and record the birds directly in an eBird-compatible upload form. This way, we enter the data once in a spreadsheet, upload it directly to eBird next time we have an internet connection, and save lots of time. We read the bird list out load as we build it and everyone contributes to the process, which reduces errors.
In order to take advantage of this major time-saver, first make sure you are familiar with the eBird bulk upload process. Read that story here, and be sure to familiarize yourself with Jay Packer’s eBird Express Tool

which makes this process even sleeker and safeguards against frustrating error messages from eBird. Once you are up to speed, follow the below instructions for tips on how to use the bulk upload to its best advantage.

1) Set up a spreadsheet with expected species. One great way to get this is to generate a bar chart for the county or state where you plan to bird. Then download the bar chart using the blue link at the bottom right, and you will get a spreadsheet version. You can then sum the frequencies for the month or year, or even just use the frequency for the very week where you are going birding. Eliminate the rarities if you like, or keep the full species list, depending on how restrictive you want your starting template. An advantage is that the names will all be compatible with eBird!

2) Pre-populate whatever fields you can. Usually, at least country, state, number of observers, and date can be pre-populated. Maybe you want to pre-populate the checklist comments too.

3) Before each stop type the name of the stop and the start time.

4) After each stop type in the birds (or keep a running tally during a wildlife drive on a refuge), duration, and mileage or acreage covered.

5) If you see a species not on your template, simply type its official common name in and enter the count--it need not be in order. If eBird does not recognize it, eBird will ask you to match it up.

One word of warning--it is very easy to make unintended errors. The eBird data quality process will run on the checklist, but will not provide you with an alert. Be sure to read over your lists after you upload them.

In this way, you turn the multi-step process (jotting notes in a notebook and transcribing each one to eBird) into just two steps: jot notes in the spreadsheet, upload to eBird, and you're done! By pre-populating the date, comments, and state, those steps go that much faster.