PatchBird and eBird: One Mission, One Platform

Why PatchBird isn’t an app — and why your eBird checklists are the heart of the project

Since launching my recent personal note about the PatchBird Initiative, I have received some wonderful support – and also a thoughtful question that deserves a clear answer: “Why not just use eBird? Is BirdUTM a separate platform or app?”

The short answer is: We do use eBird. Entirely.

A Cuban Emerald feeding in a remote corner of the grid — because every square, and every species, counts. © Gyorgy Szimuly

PatchBird is not an app, platform, or rival to eBird. It’s a method — a guiding framework that encourages structured bird monitoring in overlooked places using the tools eBird already provides.

All PatchBird records are submitted via the eBird app. We simply add a method that helps bring consistency to where and how birders record data.

So, What Exactly Is PatchBird?

PatchBird stands for “Bird Monitoring by UTM Grid.” It’s a citizen-science initiative designed to:

• Encourage birders to conduct regular 15-minute surveys at designated UTM grid corners (in 1x1 km grids);

• Promote consistent monitoring in under-surveyed areas, away from popular hotspots;

• Inspire long-term contributions that fill data gaps – especially where no one else is counting.

But the checklists themselves are submitted via eBird. Always. No extra software. No separate data system. Just a method that turns your eBird checklists into structured ecological records.

Why Structure Matters

eBird is a powerhouse for bird data – and its flexibility is its strength. But to analyse long-term trends in under-surveyed areas, we sometimes need more consistency: same location, same method, same timing.

PatchBird simply offers a way to guide that consistency. Think of it as a protocol layer on top of eBird – just like other structured survey efforts (e.g., Atlas projects or IBA monitoring schemes).

One Platform, Shared Purpose

So if you’re using eBird and contributing checklists from remote or random locations – you’re already part of the mission. If you’re doing it with intention and repetition, you’re embodying the BirdUTM spirit.

You don’t need to download anything new.

You don’t need to leave eBird behind.

You just need to pick a square – and count.

Final Thought

I created PatchBird because I believe every observer, no matter where they bird, can contribute meaningful data. Especially in places no one else is looking.

And thanks to eBird, we have the platform to make those contributions count.

Let’s keep building it – together.

Join The PatchBird Initiative