site.btaBirdwatchers in 13 Countries Unite for Data Collection Challenge in May

Bird conservationists and enthusiasts from Bulgaria and 12 other countries will participate in an international bird data collection challenge on May 10 and 11, the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) said on its website on Tuesday. The initiative, organized by the EuroBirdPortal, aims to gather as many complete lists of bird species observed in Southeast Europe as possible. 

BSPB representatives said that participants can collect bird observation data using the SmartBirds Pro mobile app and its associated website, smartbirds.org. The goal is to fill existing gaps in knowledge about birds in the region with high-quality and accurate data.

The minimum requirement for participants is to submit a “complete list”- a record of all bird species identified by the observer at a specific location and time. For this May initiative, special attention will be given to collecting data on bird nesting.

“The main goal is to gather high-quality, detailed data about the birds in the region. This will help improve understanding of their status and biodiversity,” BSPB said.

The initiative brings together bird conservationists from 13 countries, including Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. The project’s motto is "Every Bird Matters in Southeast Europe!"  

Birdwatchers in the region are encouraged to visit their favorite observation spots, whether it’s their garden, a city park, or a nearby forest, without needing to travel far.

Experts have some tips for collecting complete bird lists:

• Avoid traveling more than 1 km at a time, as the larger the area covered, the less reliable the data becomes. When covering long distances, it's best to create complete lists only for specific areas along the route.
• Limit the observation period to 1-2 hours to ensure the collection of valuable data. The shorter the time and distance, the more useful the information will be.
• Note the approximate number of observed species, even if the count is only an estimate. Providing an estimated number is more informative than just noting the presence of a species.
• Record the GPS route to ensure data accuracy. Keeping track of any evidence of bird nesting is important for understanding breeding activity.
• Visit different locations throughout the year to provide more comprehensive insights into bird populations and their seasonal behavior.
• For those just starting out, focus on areas with fewer species that are already familiar, like a garden. Starting with short observation sessions, such as 15-30 minutes, will also make the process easier.

EuroBirdPortal, in collaboration with the European Commission, uses the collected data to support key conservation policies and decisions.