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October: Fall into Birding with eBird and Merlin Bird ID
Activity Type
Nature exploration
Topic
Birds, nature
Audience
Youth, Teens, Adults, Families, Intergenerational groups
Location
Outdoors
Materials
Each participant needs a smart phone or tablet with two apps downloaded (eBird and Merlin Bird ID)
Low Tech Options
Encourage participants to bring their own devices. This project uses mobile apps.
Provide nature guides or bird guidebooks to observe without technology.
Program Description
The second Saturday of October is a Global Big Day, an annual celebration of fall bird migration and the perfect opportunity to get your community outside to observe birds together.
One way to introduce your community to birding through quiet observation and listening. Participants will use Merlin Bird ID, a free mobile app that identifies birds by their songs and calls, then record their observations in eBird, a global citizen science project that helps researchers monitor bird populations, migration patterns, and changes in biodiversity. No birding experience is required, making this an accessible way for people of all ages to connect with nature while contributing to real scientific research.
As the facilitator, you will help participants download the mobile apps, create or log in to their accounts, and answer questions as they get started. Keep the activity fun by recognizing top contributors with small prizes or other incentives.
Plan for a one-hour event
Prep
5 min – Review the project protocols on SciStarter (Listed under “Recommended Projects”).
10 min – Create your own accounts to practice. You don’t need to be an expert to facilitate this activity, but having general familiarity is beneficial.
10 min – Make a list of birds common to your area. Merlin Bird ID will provide this information, but you can also use local guides and an internet search to build your list. Consider printing this list out to have a visual guide.
Event Flow
5-10 min – Set the Stage, discuss common birds found in your community, using visuals as reference.
15 min – Guided set up and demonstration. Instruct attendees to download the apps and set up accounts if this was not done before the event.
30 min – Informal Q&A, start your nature walk and start listening!
5 min – Celebrate participants’ contributions and share take-home resources before they leave.
*Incentive suggestions: Certificate recognizing the “Top Identifier,” free used book from the Friends of the Library bookstore, Sticker or button (see SciStarter designs), Brain teaser/puzzle book, Gift card.
No prior experience is needed—just curiosity. Participants of all ages can contribute to real real research!
Recommended Projects
Merlin Bird ID
Identify birds based on calls and songs with this educational app. Your observations here are not automatically uploaded for active research.
Anytime
Outdoors
Birds, nature, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
eBird
Upload verified observations of bird on this app to contribute to active research on bird populations and migration.
Anytime
Outdoors
Birds, nature, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Program Resources
An Introduction to the Merlin Bird ID Mobile app
Use this short video in your event to explain how participants will use the app to identify birds.
Complementary Projects & Resources
October is also a great time for spooky science! We’ve listed a few of our favorites below.
Never Home Alone
Explore the indoors for all the little creatures who live among us, but are under-noticed. Help define the biodiversity of indoor life.
Anytime
Indoors
Arthropods, scavenger hunt, arachnids
Joro Watch
Report sightings of Joro spiders, an invasive species that has been sighted across the southeastern side of the US. Join the 5th Annual Joro Spider Spotting Contest set for Monday, October 12, 12:00 a.m. – Sunday, October 18, 11:59 p.m.
Late summer and fall
Outdoors
Invasive species, arachnids, nature