Birding News and Features

EZBird--enter eBird checklists by email!

One of the most frequent requests we get from eBirders is for a way to make data entry easier and quicker. We have done our best to develop new quicker ways to enter data and to publicize new and quicker ways that others have developed. To that end, we are excited to announce the release of EZBird, which allows you to create an uploadable file just by sending a formatted email message. You can even submit directly to eBird, which makes it possible to use your handheld or smartphone to enter sightings from the field.

New online course in bird behavior

Why does a Red-winged Blackbird flare its colorful wing patches? What does it mean when ducks bob their heads? Explore the meaning behind fascinating bird behaviors with the Cornell Lab's newest course: Investigating Behavior--Courtship and Rivalry in Birds. The five-week course begins on November 11 and will be offered again on January 6.

Sale on neotropical audio CDs

The Cornell Lab or Ornithology is offering a special discount on packages of neotropical bird CDs. These packages include everything from parrots to antbirds, to regional CDs covering Costa Rica and Ecuador to the Andes and the Amazon. Find out more here. In fact, why not use this as an opportunity to start planning your winter break? The changing season's first snows, lines of migrating Canada Geese, and clumsily singing immature White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows are a welcome addition right now. But by February, shoveling snow usually loses some of its novelty. Why now pick up some audio CDs, grab your ebird notebooks and join our neotropical migrants to the south. Don't worry. The snow will probably still be here when you get back.

 

eBird Map Quiz #5

We're pleased to bring back the eBird Map Quiz. Periodically we will put up a map taken directly from eBird and you can try to guess the species. After a while, we will post answers to the old "map quiz" and include a map for a new species. This map is taken directly from the Maps section in the View and Explore Data tab and includes all eBird data from all months from 1900 - 2009. Good luck! If you still see the last map, hit Control Refresh (or F5) to reload the new map image.

Macaulay Library Sound Recording Workshop 2010

Join us for the 2010 Sound Recording Workshop! Each year the Macaulay Library teaches state-of-the-art techniques for recording the sounds of wildlife with skilled staff from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Participants learn through daily field recording sessions, coupled with lectures and demonstrations.The workshop will take place June 12 to June 19, 2010 at Tahoe National Forest, California. The workshop fee is $945 (includes tuition, class materials, local transportation, food, and lodging).