About
BirdCast is a science-driven platform developed by Cornell University and partner research institutions that harnesses weather radar data and artificial intelligence to track and forecast bird migration across the contiguous United States. Active during peak spring (March 1–June 15) and fall (August 1–November 15) migration seasons, it offers a suite of tools designed for birdwatchers, conservationists, meteorologists, and researchers alike. The platform's Live Migration Maps display real-time movement of birds aloft, showing how much, where, and when migration is occurring at any given moment. Migration Forecast Maps provide advance preparation for upcoming migration events. The Local Dashboard breaks down nocturnal bird migration data at the county and state level, offering granular insights for local observers. For those who want proactive notifications, Local Migration Alerts send email warnings when intense migration is expected near any of 216 supported U.S. cities. Beyond tools, BirdCast serves as an educational hub with a Science Center covering radar ornithology, the biology and ecology of bird migration, and a library of 100+ academic publications. The platform also advocates for bird conservation, highlighting the dangers of artificial light and glass to the over 80% of migratory bird species that travel at night. BirdCast is ideal for citizen scientists, nature enthusiasts, urban planners, and researchers seeking authoritative, data-rich migration intelligence.
Key Features
- Live Migration Maps: Real-time radar-based maps showing the quantity, direction, and location of birds currently in flight across the contiguous U.S.
- Migration Forecast Maps: AI-powered predictive maps that let users prepare for upcoming bird migration events before they occur.
- Local Dashboard: County- and state-level breakdowns of nocturnal bird migration activity, providing granular local insights for observers and researchers.
- Migration Alerts: Email notification system covering 216 U.S. cities that warns users when intense bird migration is expected in their area.
- Science & Education Center: Comprehensive resources on radar ornithology, bird migration ecology, and a library of 100+ peer-reviewed publications.
Use Cases
- Birdwatchers using live migration maps and local alerts to know exactly when and where to go out for peak migration viewing.
- Ornithologists and ecologists accessing radar-derived migration data and publications for academic research on avian movement patterns.
- Urban conservationists and city planners using migration forecasts to time lights-out initiatives and reduce bird collisions with glass buildings.
- Meteorologists and atmospheric scientists integrating BirdCast data to distinguish biological radar returns from weather phenomena.
- Educators and students using the Science Center resources and interactive maps to learn about radar ornithology and migratory bird ecology.
Pros
- Completely Free to Use: BirdCast is a publicly accessible, Cornell University-backed platform with no subscription or paywall, making it available to anyone.
- Scientifically Rigorous: Built and maintained by ornithologists and data scientists, the platform's forecasts and maps are grounded in peer-reviewed research and real weather radar data.
- Actionable Alerts: Email-based migration alerts for 216 cities give birdwatchers and conservationists timely, location-specific notifications to act on.
- Conservation-Focused: The platform actively promotes bird-safe practices such as reducing light pollution and making glass visible, connecting data to real-world conservation impact.
Cons
- U.S.-Only Coverage: All tools, including local dashboards and city alerts, are limited to the contiguous United States, making it less useful for international users.
- Seasonal Availability: The platform's active tools are only available during spring (March 1–June 15) and fall (August 1–November 15) migration seasons, leaving gaps for year-round observers.
- No Mobile App: BirdCast is a web-only platform with no dedicated iOS or Android app, which can limit usability in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does BirdCast detect bird migration?
BirdCast uses the national network of NEXRAD weather surveillance radars, which detect not only precipitation but also the biological targets—birds, bats, and insects—moving through the atmosphere. Scientists and AI models process this radar data to isolate bird migration signals and generate real-time maps and forecasts.
When is BirdCast active?
BirdCast's migration tools are active during peak migration seasons: March 1 through June 15 for spring migration and August 1 through November 15 for fall migration. The Science Center and educational resources are available year-round.
Which areas does BirdCast cover?
BirdCast currently covers the contiguous United States. The Local Dashboard provides county- and state-level data, and Migration Alerts are available for 216 U.S. cities.
How do I sign up for migration alerts?
Users can sign up for email migration alerts through the BirdCast website. Alerts are available for any of the 216 supported U.S. cities and notify you before intense migration events occur in your area.
Is BirdCast free?
Yes, BirdCast is completely free to use. It is a public-facing scientific initiative supported by Cornell University and partner institutions, with no cost or registration required to access its tools and maps.
