I learned something tonight (actually, a LOT) about eBird that I would like
to share with those who have not explored this site.  ACCESS TO THIS
INFORMATION IS FREE AND YOU DON'T NEED AN EBIRD ACCOUNT TO ACCESS THE DATA -
JUST FOLLOW THESE EASY STEPS.



Recently I posted a request for birding locations in Arizona and Texas.  I
received many helpful responses.   Here is another way I could have come to
similar information using eBird:



Go to www.ebird.org

Select EXPLORE DATA

Select BAR CHARTS

Select UNITED STATES  from the first drop-down menu (actually is the default
- other locations around the world are also shown if you click on it)

Select the state you are interested in (Arizona for me)

Select the SUBREGION of interest (I chose Counties)

Select CONTINUE at the bottom of the page

Select the county you are interested in (Maricopa is the county for Phoenix)

Select CONTINUE

Change the DATE RANGE if you are interested in what has been seen there
recently (I chose WINTER and then starting with 2012)

Select CONTINUE



eBird displays a species list and bar graphs showing relative abundance for
each month of the year.



More specific information is still available!  For example:



Decide a target species and select MAP



A map is displayed showing all the locations in Maricopa County where that
species was reported.



Select any of the red hotspots (recent sightings, <30 days) shown and the
location will be identified and a list of recent checklists shown.

Select any of the checklists and it will show you the complete list for that
person for that day, starting with the most recent list at the top.



Now you not only know where to find your target bird, but all other birds
that eBirder was able to identify during that trip!  By selecting other
hotspots you can locate other areas to bird and have some idea of what to
expect at that location.



Thanks to Ken Ostermiller and Vic Fazio for enlightening all of us as to the
power and usefulness of eBird, and to Greater Cleveland Audubon for
sponsoring this program.  I understand they are taking this show on-the-road
again next month, possibly to Toledo.



Good Birding,



Matt Valencic

Chagrin Falls, OH


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