eBird: Beyond the Basics

Registration is required to attend this event as space is limited. Please make sure ALL fields in the registration form are completed and that a confirmation email is received.

Join Golden Eagle Audubon field trip leaders Jordan Bates and Will Miller at Esther Simplot Park to advance your eBird skills. Intended for those who have taken our Beginner eBird course or are moderately comfortable using the app, this course and field trip will discuss some of the more advanced features and uses of eBird. We will begin with a short walk in the park where you can practice creating and sharing your own eBird checklist, taking cellphone photos of birds and habitat, and/or Merlin audio recordings to upload to your checklist. During the guided demonstration, we will cover:

• eBird best practices: how to be an effective community scientist
• Counting large flocks for more accurate checklists
• How to use breeding codes
• Adding media to your checklist using your phone's web browser
• Using eBird to find species or birding hotspots
• Creating Target Species lists and alerts

Please make sure your phone is charged, that you are logged into the eBird and Merlin Bird ID apps, and that you have access to your password.

After the demonstration, we will answer any additional questions you may have. As time allows, we will then head back out into the park to look for birds and continue practicing these more advanced checklist skills.

Recently reported species at Esther Simplot Park can be seen here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L753869

Accessibilty: This trip is wheelchair accessible.

Birding Skill Level: This field trip is suitable for birders of all levels, but please be familiar with the basics of using the eBird mobile app. Binoculars will be available if needed.

Age: Participants younger than 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and participants younger than 18 must have a parent/guardian sign the liability release.

Time: 8:00am -10:30am. Check-in is at 7:50am. Please arrive at check-in so we can start on time.

Meeting Place: We will meet at the Esther Simplot Park Central Pavillion, which is next to the central parking area. (Please click on "Meeting Place" to get precise directions from your location or scroll down to view the map.)

What to Bring: Smart phone with eBird and Merlin apps downloaded, layers for weather, binoculars, water, and snacks as needed. Please make sure your phone is charged, that you are logged into your eBird and Merlin Bird ID accounts, and that you have access to your password. No dogs please.

Restroom Availability: Restrooms are available at the park.

Inclement Weather: If there is an unhealthy AQI or steady rain forecast, the trip will be cancelled.

Contact Information: Please contact trip leader, Jordan Bates, at (208)391-8338 with any questions.

Cancellation Policy: If your plans change, please cancel your ticket on Eventbrite or contact the field trip leader listed above. Participants who miss two trips without notice may be suspended from registering for three months. Thanks for your understanding!

Cedar Waxwing photo by Ken Miracle