This month’s eBirder of the Month challenge, sponsored by Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, can help you dive deeper into 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.
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.
Species comments are for more than just rare birds. Get in the practice of adding detailed notes to everyday birds as well. These could include whether a bird was seen or heard, interesting behaviors, or a description of the habitat(s) the bird was in. Taking notes 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. Historical observations, breeding codes, and data entered in the age & sex table are valuable but do NOT count for this particular challenge.
The winner of this month’s challenge will receive a new ZEISS Conquest HD 8×42 binocular and will be notified by the 10th of the following month. Each month we will feature a new eBird challenge and set of selection criteria. And don’t forget about the 2021 Checklist-a-day Challenge!
Carl Zeiss Sports Optics is a proven leader in sports optics and is the official optics sponsor for eBird. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and support the vital scientific data being collected by dedicated eBirders.” – Richard Moncrief, Birding and Nature Observation Segment Manager at Carl Zeiss SBE