From Birdwatching to Scientific Research: The Spring of Migratory Birds App Takes Flight

The Spring of Migratory Birds application, developed at the University of Jyväskylä, has seen significant progress in monitoring bird migration. With approximately 200,000 downloads and 48,000 observations made in one day over the Easter weekend, the application has proven to be a valuable tool for bird enthusiasts.

The app’s functionality has been expanded to include improved species recognition, user-friendly features, and the integration of the point calculation network used by Luomus for bird monitoring. This network allows users to participate in standardized bird counting efforts, contributing to valuable research on bird populations.

In addition to its utility for bird monitoring, the Spring of Migratory Birds application supports scientific research by providing data that can be combined with traditional monitoring methods. As part of ongoing calibration efforts, data collected through the app will be compared to data collected by experts over the past 40 years. This integration of technology and traditional monitoring methods promises to enhance our understanding of bird migration patterns and populations.

The Spring of Migratory Birds application is part of the University of Jyväskylä’s citizen science center, supported by the Jane and Aatos Erko Foundation. By engaging citizens in bird monitoring and research, the application is not only a valuable tool for enthusiasts but also a significant contribution to scientific knowledge about bird populations.