eBird Basics for Beginners

1. Create a Free Account

There are 2 ways to use eBird: on a computer or on a smart phone. For either of these options, you first need to create a free account with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Create free account


2. Use the Right eBird Portal

On Your Computer

Atlasing between May 1 - August 31, use this portal.
Atlasing between September 1 - April 30, use this portal.


On the Phone App

Atlasing between May 1 - August 31, use this portal.
Atlasing between September 1 - April 30, use this portal.

Change the portal by tapping the menu in the eBird app (red hand icon).

3. Start Submitting Observations to eBird

Video 1: How to Enter Records into eBird on Your Computer

Video 2: How to Enter Records into eBird on Your Phone

For more detailed instructions, check out the eBird User Guide.