NatureCounts Mobile App

About the app

The NatureCounts app is an innovative tool for collecting data on birds and biodiversity. Tailored for a wide variety of research and Citizen Science projects, it makes data entry easy, efficient, and intuitive. By saving time and improving accuracy, the NatureCounts app removes barriers and drives conservation and research.

Data collected through the app are housed in NatureCounts, Birds Canada’s data management platform. From here, project managers can easily access their data in different ways, and choose if and how they share it with the conservation community.

2million records submitted

45

projects supported

75

customized protocols created

140,000

checklists submitted

12,000

hours of saved data entry time

At a glance

Why NatureCounts?

“Our surveyors are able to perform data collection accurately, and mobile submission means we spend no time transcribing data and little time correcting errors. Furthermore, our project data are easily managed and accessed for use in conservation research.”

C. Toby St. Clair, MSc, RPBio - Pacific Megascops Research Alliance

“While developing the protocol for the Pennsylvania Bird Atlas point counts, it quickly became apparent that the existing tools lacked crucial features. I then learned of the NatureCounts mobile app. It has been the perfect solution for our needs, and I have been impressed with the functionality and attention to detail.”

Amber Wiewel - Pennsylvania Bird Atlas

“The NatureCounts App is well designed and makes submitting data to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (2021-2025) so much easier and faster…I really love the integrated caution alerts that pop up to remind us about breeding safe dates, and pop up notes regarding particular breeding evidence for certain bird species.”

Apple Store reviewer OntAtlasser

“Latest additions (timer, safe dates, ability to make map adjustments) take even more work out of the data collection process. It's an easy app to use, it tells me all the information I need to collect data.”

Google Play reviewer Anna Shepherd

How it works

START A PROJECT

The flexible architecture of the NatureCounts app supports a wide array of projects and protocols. It easily accommodates different sampling methods, covariates, effort data, and more.

COLLECT AND SUBMIT

Data collection has never been easier. The app’s intuitive interface guides the user through protocols efficiently and accurately, then allows them to submit directly from the field.

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ACCESS AND SHARE DATA

Project managers can access their data online or through the NatureCounts R package. Data can also be shared through the NatureCounts platform for use in conservation and research.

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Need Mobile Support for Your Project?

If you think the NatureCounts app would be a good fit for your project, we want to hear from you! We are working hard to bring the app to a broader community, and you can support its growth. Contact us today for more details, availability, and pricing.

The NatureCounts App is

Digital Point Counts

Point counts are the gold standard in standardized surveys. The NatureCounts app integrates traditional methods with modern technology, making point counts more accurate and efficient than ever.

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The NatureCounts App is

Stop-Within-Route Surveys

The integrated maps in the NatureCounts app can feature pre-defined survey locations. First- and second-level sites can be arranged into routes to support stop-within-route protocols.

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The NatureCounts App is

eBird Integration

With NatureCounts, you can collect data tailored to your project and still contribute your sightings to eBird. Data collected in the app can automatically sync to your eBird account, so your life list is always up to date.

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The NatureCounts App is

Breeding Bird Atlases

NatureCounts is tailor-built for the unique needs of breeding bird atlases. Flexible architecture supports checklists, point counts, special surveys, area boundaries, breeding evidence, and other covariates.

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Additional Resources

GETTING STARTED VIDEO

This short video introduces new users to the app, and provides step-by-step instructions to download the app, sign in, and get started collecting data.

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APP TUTORIAL

This comprehensive tutorial provides easy-to-follow instructions for all aspects of using the app for data collection.

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SEE THE DATA IN ACTION

Data from the app goes directly to NatureCounts where it can be shared and accessed through the Naturecounts data exploration tools.

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Need Mobile Support for Your Project?

Supported By

The app was funded with financial support from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Royal Bank of Canada Tech for Nature Fund.