Birding and learning to identify birds is one of those rare activities that, once you try it, becomes a lasting passion. Technology has made this activity easier and more affordable. Now, with the help of birdwatching and nature apps, you can contribute to science while connecting with naturalists and bird lovers from all over the world.
We have seen this over the years with many of our guests — they arrive with the curiosity to see birds as part of Mindo’s attractions and become hooked on this hobby. And then they visit us again eager to explore new reserves and share with us the discoveries of their travels around the world.
Below, we recommend our favorite birdwatching and nature apps. They are very useful for recording the birds you observe on your outings!
eBird
This is Efrain’s favorite app, as well as the majority of Mindo birders and local guides. Efrain Toapanta is an experienced birdwatching and naturalist guide and co-founder of Casa Divina and SabinaTour. If you want to follow Efrain on EBird, visit his profile.
Efra loves the intuitive platform and the opportunities it gives him to learn and contribute to scientific research. For example, you can download the list of birds within 20 kilometers of your location then post information about the birds you have seen (if they are nesting, courting or if it is a migratory species), and can also post alerts of birds you want to observe.
It is a free application for both web and cell phones developed by Cornell University in the United States and used by birders worldwide.
It works as a social network, meaning that you can meet other birders from other countries and their sightings. Efrain has met birding friends from all over the world on eBird and has even gotten to birdwatch with them in person! It also serves as a collaborative program for recording and researching birds around the world. The data recorded contributes to education and conservation.
To start, just download the application, register with an email address and create your first bird list and share it. You can also enter data without an Internet connection making it easy to use when you’re birding in places with no cell coverage.
Video with English explanation
AllTrails
AllTrails is the ideal platform to accompany you on a hike on different trails depending on where you are. It is a global outdoor platform that allows users to access hiking trails and also a service (for a fee) to download maps, watch the trail in 3D, receive notifications along the route and much more.
If you want to explore lesser-known areas, this app is ideal for accessing off-the-beaten-path trails that may be the perfect places for birdwatching.
One of our guests at Casa Divina recommended it to us a few months ago and we’ve really enjoyed it. We are surprised that there are even little known trails in Mindo such as the so-called “Mirador-via Yellow House Trail” to enjoy the biodiversity and wonders of the cloud forest (it can be included in a customized tour with our sister company SabinaTour Operator).
It also works as a social network or community and you can see the ratings given by those who have traveled a route, shared photos and comments. Each route has data such as location, length, level of difficulty, photos, a brief description, real time weather data in the area.
One can create your own map, save activities, create lists of sites and much more.
To use it, you need to register with an email address. It can be used from the website to plan your trips and also by downloading the application to your cell phone for the moment of the hike.
iNaturalist
In the cloud forest you can find a great variety of plant and animal species that you have never seen before. To identify them, know their names and more details you can use this platform.
It is a naturalist app for those seeking to learn more about nature and sharing worldwide their observations of all types of organisms, including birds.
With the data being recorded, scientists and resource managers can understand when and where to find organisms. Specific projects can also be initiated, such as site-specific birding. There are currently six million people registered on this collaborative platform.
It is a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society.
An added bonus:
*Don’t know the name of a bird you observe? Use these apps:
Merlin: It’s free, also from Cornell University and you can share it later with eBird.
Collins Bird Guide: It’s a paid app that combines amazing illustrations with comprehensive information.
*Don’t know the best spots for birding? Use Birda.
*You hear a bird, but don’t know its name: You can use Song Sleuth for mobile use.
Author: Lucila Donoso
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