Winter Bird Challenge

JOIN the Birds of Winter Challenge!

One of the things we look forward to in the winter months is a plethora of feathered visitors. How many bird species can you document at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (MCBG) this winter? We challenge you to document as many birds as you can from January 1 - March 19 using the iNaturalist app or iNaturalist website.

We invite you—our citizen scientists and nature lovers—to explore your natural surroundings and take a closer look. You can participate by documenting the birds you see within the Gardens (photos or sounds). The goal is to learn more about our feathered neighbors as we observe the variety of species that migrate through or call this area home. Have fun collecting data while contributing to the world of science!

GETTING TO KNOW iNATURALIST

1. Download the iNaturalist app and make an account (or sign on if you already have an account). If you want to follow the Project's findings from your desktop use the search function at top left to search and join the "Birds of MCBG – Winter 2021". On a mobile device select "More..."option in the lower right corner, select projects and used the search (magnifying glass icon) function to look up "Birds of MCBG – Winter 2021"  and join.
2. Take photos or record audio of the birds you find as you visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.
3. Upload your observations to share with the iNaturalist community. Images and videos may be uplodaed immediately using the iNaturalist app or once you are in a location with reliable wi-fi. Observations that match the Birds of MCBG parameters will be automatically added to the project!
4. Watch and learn as your observations are identified and verified by experts!