Three Essential Tools to Prepare for Birdwatching Trips
Share
Traveling is about discovering new landscapes, new cultures… and new birds!
Before heading out on your next adventure, a bit of preparation can turn an ordinary walk into an unforgettable birding experience.
Here are three must-have tools to help you plan your outings and make the most of your time in the field — wherever your binoculars take you. 👇
🗺️ 1. eBird — Your Global Birding Map
You can’t go birding without mentioning eBird — the go-to platform for birders worldwide.
With its interactive hotspot map, eBird lets you:
- Discover the top birding sites around the world;
- Check recent sightings for each location;
- See which species are present at different times of the year;
- Plan your route based on the best viewing spots nearby.
💡 BirdzNow Tip: Try eBird’s Photo + Sound Quiz feature! You can build custom quizzes for your destination using the Macaulay Library. It’s a fun way to sharpen your visual and auditory ID skills before you even arrive.
🎧 2. Merlin Bird ID — Your Pocket Birding Guide
Created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Merlin Bird ID is the perfect field companion for travelers.
Before your trip, download the bird pack for your destination and spend some time:
- Browsing photos and reading species descriptions (habitat, behavior, ID tips);
- Listening to sounds to connect visuals with vocalizations.
In the field, Merlin becomes your photo guide and bird sound detector. For example, if you’re in France and Merlin picks up a Cetti’s Warbler, you can replay its song, compare it to what you hear, and confirm it yourself.
👉 Don’t rely blindly on Merlin’s ID — use it as a learning and detection tool.
If you’re unsure, record the sound and check it later for confirmation.
📍 3. Birding Hotspots — Local Insights for Every Site
Birding Hotspot is the perfect complement to eBird. It offers detailed local info for birding sites, such as:
- Parking and access points 🚗
- Best trails and viewing spots 🚶
- Tips from other birders 🦉
It’s the best way to arrive prepared, explore confidently, and make the most of every stop.
🌍 In Short
eBird for exploring and planning,
Merlin for learning and identifying,
Birding Hotspots for finding your way on site.
Together, they’re the ultimate toolkit for the traveling birder — ready to help you spot, learn, and enjoy birds wherever your journey takes you. 🐦✨
💬 What about you?
What are your favorite tools or tricks to prepare for birding trips?
Any apps or go-to resources you never travel without?
👉 Share them with us in the comments or on social — we’d love to hear from you!