August eBirder of the Month Challenge

This month’s eBirder of the Month challenge, sponsored by Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, can help you get more out of your birding. The eBirder of the Month will be drawn from eBirders who submit 20 or more eligible checklists in August containing at least one species with observation comments. Winners will be notified by the 10th of the following month.

When you report an unusual bird observation to eBird, you may be asked to add species comments. These comments should include how you identified a rare species or counted a large flock. If you don’t have a camera or recorder, detailed notes are the best way to document an exciting bird moment! Learn more about documenting your bird observations.

But species comments aren’t just for rare birds. Get in the practice of adding detailed notes to everyday birds as well. These notes could include whether a bird was seen or heard, interesting behaviors, or a description of the habitat(s) the bird was in. Taking note of what you see or hear builds important observation skills and helps you become a better birder.

To add species comments to a running eBird checklist, tap any species name on eBird Mobile or click “Add Details” next to a species while submitting data on eBird.org. You can also add these details to an already submitted checklist by editing it. Breeding codes and data entered in the age & sex table are valuable, but do NOT count for this particular challenge.

Each month we will feature a new eBird challenge and set of selection criteria. The monthly winners will each receive a new ZEISS Conquest HD 8×42 binocular. In addition, don’t forget about the 2020 Checklist-a-day Challenge—can you submit 366 eligible checklists this year?