Welcome to our collection of favorite birding websites and apps! Everything listed below is completely free unless otherwise indicated.
Know of a great birding resource that isn’t listed here? Feel free to email us at info@sfvaudubon.org!
eBird.org website
eBird is an online database of bird observations providing scientists, researchers, and amateur naturalists with real-time data about bird distribution and abundance.
Created by: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
eBird Mobile: app
Use the eBird app to to track and record your bird sightings through correct eBird.org. This is an invaluable, community driven resource used by most birders these days.
https://allaboutbirds.org website
Online guide to birds and birdwatching. Includes study guides, identification guides, lots of great articles, and links to several live cams. A wonderful birding resource, also from Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
merlin.allaboutbirds.org website, Merlin app
Another tremendous birding resource from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, primarily focused on bird sound identification. The Merlin app is available for download on their website via App Store or Google Play.
Sibley Birds v2 App ($19.99)
Based on the Sibley Guide to Birds, this app includes all of the content in the printed guide as well as over 2800 audio recordings, additional text, complete seasonal status data for every species in every state and province, hundreds of searchable criteria, and much more. Available on the App Store or Google Play.
ibird.com (subscription based app)
A good bird guide for mobile devices. Available on the App Store or Google Play.
audubon.org/app
The Audubon Bird Guide is a free and complete field guide to over 800 species of North American birds. Built for all experience levels, it will help you identify the birds around you, keep track of the birds you’ve seen, and learn more about each individual species.
iNaturalist.org website and app
Identification for living things across the spectrum. Useful for birds, reptiles, insects, plants, etc.
Seek by iNaturalist app
Take your nature knowledge up a notch with Seek! Use the power of image recognition technology to identify the plants and animals all around you. Earn badges for seeing different types of birds, amphibians, plants, and fungi and participate in monthly observation challenges.
A Kid’s Guide to Building a Backyard Birdhouse website
Want to welcome some new feathered friends to your backyard? This helpful guide includes all the info you need to build your very own birdhouse. (Thanks to Ashley for the wonderful resource!)
