About
BirdsEye is a feature-rich bird finding and identification app built for both casual birdwatchers and serious listers. At its core, the app aggregates real-time observation data from eBird and GBBC to show users the closest sightings of any species, displayed on an interactive map. Birders can get turn-by-turn directions to nearby hotspots and access expert bird finding tips written by top birders around the world. The app supports global coverage with downloadable regional and country-specific packages, making it useful whether you're birding in your backyard or exploring a new continent. Users can connect their eBird or GBBC accounts to view species missing from their life list or year list that have been reported nearby — a powerful tool for targeted listing trips. BirdsEye also features a curated photo library of over 5,000 species, contributed by award-winning photographers published in National Geographic and Audubon. Photos cover multiple plumages for accurate identification. Photographers can contribute their own images in exchange for a complimentary yearly membership. Additionally, the platform extends beyond birds with companion apps like Dragonfly ID, reflecting its broader mission to support citizen science for multiple species groups. BirdsEye is ideal for amateur naturalists, competitive birders, conservation volunteers, and anyone passionate about wildlife and the outdoors.
Key Features
- Real-Time Bird Sightings Map: Displays the closest recent sightings of any species on an interactive map, powered by live data from eBird and GBBC.
- Birding Hotspot Navigation: Provides directions to nearby birding hotspots along with expert bird finding tips curated by top birders.
- Rare Bird Alerts: Delivers regional and ABA rare bird alerts so you never miss an unusual species sighting in your area.
- Extensive Photo Library: Access over 5,000 species photographs contributed by award-winning photographers, covering multiple plumages for accurate ID.
- Life List & Year List Integration: Connect your eBird or GBBC account to see which species you're missing from your life list or year list that have been reported nearby.
Use Cases
- Locating nearby bird species in real time while out in the field using live eBird sightings data.
- Planning birding trips by identifying hotspots, getting directions, and reading expert tips for a specific region.
- Tracking personal life lists and year lists by connecting an eBird account to find missing species reported nearby.
- Identifying unfamiliar bird species using the app's extensive photo library covering 5,000+ species across multiple plumages.
- Contributing to citizen science by logging sightings and supporting conservation data collection through eBird and GBBC integrations.
Pros
- Powered by Real-Time Citizen Science Data: Integrates directly with eBird and GBBC for up-to-date, crowd-sourced sightings that make the app highly accurate and relevant.
- Free to Download: The core app is available at no cost on both iOS and Android, lowering the barrier for new and casual birders.
- Global Coverage: Supports birders worldwide with regional content packages, making it useful for international travel and exploration.
- Rich Photo Library: High-quality images from photographers published in top outlets like National Geographic and Audubon aid in species identification.
Cons
- Regional Content Requires Paid Membership: Full access to regional packages and advanced content is locked behind paid memberships, which may be a barrier for budget-conscious users.
- Niche Audience: The app is specifically designed for birders and naturalists, limiting its appeal outside of the wildlife and citizen science community.
- Infrequent Updates: Recent blog posts and app updates appear sparse, raising questions about ongoing active development and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What data powers the BirdsEye app?
BirdsEye is powered by real-time observation data submitted to eBird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) and the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), two of the world's largest citizen science programs.
Is BirdsEye free to use?
Yes, the core BirdsEye app is free to download on iOS and Android. However, some regional content packages and advanced features require a paid membership.
What platforms is BirdsEye available on?
BirdsEye is available on iOS and Android mobile devices. There is also a companion web presence at birdseyebirding.com.
Can I contribute my bird photos to BirdsEye?
Yes! Photographers can contribute their images to the BirdsEye photo library and receive a complimentary one-year membership in return.
Does BirdsEye support birds outside North America?
Yes, BirdsEye has expanded globally and offers content, sightings data, and downloadable packages for regions around the world.
