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The Cornell Lab

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology builds the eBird global platform for communities and partners around the world to advance data-driven science, education, and conservation.

Hunters & the NC Bird Atlas

On this Page:

  • NC Bird Atlas Overview
  • Quick Start Guide
  • eBird Tools
  • Merlin Tools
  • Additional Resources

NC Bird Atlas

The NC Bird Atlas is a statewide community science project that will harness the power of thousands of volunteer birdwatchers, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts to map the distribution and abundance of birds from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks.  These observations will give researchers a comprehensive picture of bird populations across North Carolina during both the breeding and wintering seasons.

Since 1970, we’ve lost an estimated total of 2.9 billion birds across North America, that is 1 in 4 birds now gone! This includes common species like the White-throated Sparrow (down by 93 million) and some common game birds like the American Woodcock (a knowledge-gap priority species).  However, targeted survey and conservation efforts can help bring birds back!  Through our Bird Atlas, we can create a detailed picture of bird abundance, distribution and habitat needs which aids in making important conservation decisions and potentially prevent listing species as endangered or even becoming extinct.

North Carolina Hunters spend an estimated 150-200 hours/year in the woods, fields and wetlands throughout the state which make them an essential group to contribute to the NC Bird Atlas.  By recording bird observations while siting in a tree stand, blind, or a favorite hunting spot hunters can help #BringBirdsBack!

Hunters Can Contribute to Bird Conservation

Throughout history hunters have contributed to bird conservation and at times have been the driving force to protect habitat and bird species.  Hunters led the charge to create organizations like Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation and  the Ruffed Grouse Society to name a few.

Hunters do not have to be avid birders in order to participate in the NC Bird Atlas. We can provide you with numerous tools and guides to assist with your bird ID.  Most hunters can already identify several species of birds – Wild Turkey, American Woodcock, Northern Bobwhite, Eastern Bluebird, Cardinal and several others including ducks, owl, and hawks – so all you would need to do is add your observations to the NC Bird Atlas portal via eBird.

Hunters that are interested in participating in the NC Bird Atlas simply need to follow the steps below, utilize the resources on this page, and record your bird observations while out hunting.

Quick Start Guide – Hunters

  • Create an eBird account (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) so you can contribute to the NC Bird Atlas – sign up here
  • Install the eBird app via the Apple Store or on Google Play to record and track all of your bird observations.
    • Once you have created an account and installed the eBird app, you can set your data to be logged in the NC Bird Atlas portal using the following steps:

For IOS devices. Click to enlarge.

For Android devices. Click to enlarge.

  • Install Merlin app (Cornell of Ornithology) to help you learn and identify birds by sight and sound via the Apple Store or Google Play.
  • Practice your Bird ID using the resources below.
  • When you reach your favorite hunting spot, simply open eBird, start a checklist and add your observations.

eBird Tools

eBird is an online database of bird observations providing researchers, scientists, and amateur naturalists with real-time data about bird distribution and abundance.  The eBird app is being used to record all observations for the NC Bird Atlas.  Hunters can utilize the following resources to become familiar with the eBird application:

Merlin Tools

Merlin Bird ID helps you identify birds with ease.  You’ll get personalized results of birds to expect based on the time of year and your location, including a digital field guide with photos and sounds, plus maps, and ID tips.  Merlin offers four fun ways to identify birds.  Get guided bird ID assistance by answering a few simple questions and Merlin will reveal a list of birds that match your description.  If you have a photo of a bird that you can’t ID, tap “Photo ID” to identify your bird.  Do you hear a bird that you don’t recognize or can’t see? Tap “Sound ID” to record the bird you are hearing and Merlin will show you which species are most likely, in real time! Or you can pick “Explore Birds” and Merlin will show you all the birds most likely to be around you on the day.  Hunters can utilize the following resources to become familiar with the Merlin application:

Additional Resources

 

Contact the NC Bird Atlas Coordinator, if you have additional question.