The Spring of Migratory Birds application, created at the University of Jyväskylä, has experienced significant progress in recent years. With over 200,000 downloads and a single-day record of 48,000 observations during Easter, the app has become an indispensable tool for monitoring bird migration in Finland. It now recognizes 263 species of birds, including all those that nest or can be heard or seen in the country.
One of the most significant advancements in the app is the inclusion of a point calculation network coordinated by Luomus. This network involves standard routes and locations where experienced birdwatchers have been counting birds for over 40 years. The app now allows users to participate in point counting activities, which will contribute valuable data to research.
On April 9th, the University of Jyväskylä is hosting a civic event called Spring of Migratory Birds. Participants will engage in point counting activities using the app at various locations across Finland. Cities like Jyväskylä and Helsinki and Metsähallitus have set up point counting stations at national parks to gather consistent and comparable data through citizen-collected information and expert data collected over time.
The app has already been used for scientific research and promises more efficient data collection in the future. As it continues to improve and develop, Spring of Migratory Birds is set to become an essential tool for bird conservation and monitoring in Finland.
Overall, the Spring of Migratory Birds application has made significant strides in recent years, becoming a valuable tool for monitoring bird migration in Finland. Its inclusion of a point calculation network coordinated by Luomus has enabled citizens to contribute valuable data to research efforts while engaging with nature on April 9th during the civic event organized by the University of Jyväskylä. With continued improvements and developments, this app promises to play an important role in bird conservation and monitoring for years to come.
