eBird is a Citizen Science project launched in 2002 by Cornell University. It is now one of the world's best-known online databases of ornithological observations, with more than 75,000 users worldwide.
It is well-established as a tool, being easy to use and rich in content, but also allowing amateur birdwatchers to provide valuable information for Bird Science and Conservation! The very contribution of eBird users has been proven to contribute to many conservation projects and programs (e.g. EuroBirdPortal, EBBA2 | EBCC - EBCC, EURING | Migration Mapping Tool, Avian Influenza Warning Map), and the users themselves are rewarded by seeing their work in real time.
In Greece, eBird has been around for years, and is the main portal used for ornithological observations. Furthermore, it is the portal through which our country feeds data to the EuroBird Portal – a European project that collects data from all platforms in Europe to update dynamic population and distribution models with many important applications.
The eBird project reflects many desirable features of the birdwatching culture, being a place for disseminating information, contributing to Citizen Science and creating an active community. The function and objectives of eBird are in line with the Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS/BirdLife Greece), as highlighted by the existent active community of active volunteer users, the volume of important data already generated and the potential for further development in the future.
In this context, HOS/BirdLife Greece starts a cooperation with eBird, welcoming the special portal eBird Greece!
In the new eBird Greece portal one can explore classic eBird material (such as the illustrated checklist, species list, recent lists, information on regions and users) and new columns, such as News! These will feature updates from HOS/BirdLife Greece on interesting observations, actions, seminars and training opportunities, invitations to participate in volunteer recording projects and much more!
The aim of the new eBird - HOS/BirdLife Greece partnership is not only to collect and utilize ornithological data: it is also to strengthen the existing community and provide grounds for the initiation of new birdwatchers in Greece.
We hope this collaboration will revitalize the ornithological community, create a context where users will feel the reward of their own contribution, feel part of a large and dynamic community, have opportunities to meet volunteers and embrace their hobby with a new perspective!
HOS/BirdLife Greece and eBird welcome you to eBird Greece!