Ana Sofia Dias Amaral, the December 2023 eBirder of the month.
Please join us in congratulating Ana Sofia Dias Amaral of Porto, Portugal—winner of the December 2023 eBird Challenge, sponsored by ZEISS. Ana’s name was drawn randomly from the 3527 eBirders who uploaded 50 or more rated photos or audio recordings to eligible checklists in December. Ana will receive a new ZEISS SFL 8×40 binocular for her eBirding efforts. Thank you to everyone who participated in the December eBirder Challenge, we are grateful for your support and continued dedication to data collection and conservation. Here’s Ana’s birding story:
I was absolutely stunned when I heard I had won December 2023 eBirder of the Month!
Bluethroat © Ana Amaral / Macaulay Library
I first became interested in birds when I noticed a small, orange-tailed bird at my door. I was used to seagulls, sparrows, blackbirds, but that one was different. It turned out to be a Black Redstart, a very common bird that I had never seen before. Later that week, I spotted a couple of Coal Tits feeding in the trees in front of my balcony. That was absolutely life-changing: suddenly, there were a lot of different species around that I had never noticed in my life! I bought my first field guide and started studying the bird species, actively looking for them.
I have always been fond of collections- I’ve collected stamps and beer coasters – and now I collect bird sightings!
Later, I started photographing my sightings so I could share these utterly beautiful animals. I can proudly say that my two kids rather look at my pictures of birds than watching cartoons! They have gone birding with me since they were moving around in the baby carrier!
I am a doctor so I work indoors every day in a stressful work environment. Birding allows me to relax at weekends, experience new places in my country, and meet fellow birders!
Little Owl © Ana Amaral / Macaulay Library
eBird has allowed me to keep track of my collection, so I know what species I have seen and when. More interestingly, I can monitor the birds that keep popping up around home and my work. I’ve already had some surprises! It makes me really happy that what I do as a hobby can contribute to data science worldwide. The needs alerts, the distribution maps and the species’ pages are incredible resources that I use daily! I really want to leave a word of appreciation to the regional reviewers. Their voluntary and selfless work is an essential part of eBird!
Last, I cannot tell you how grateful I am to Cornell Lab, eBird and ZEISS teams for this chance!
Thank you so much!
European Stonechat © Ana Amaral / Macaulay Library