About the BirdTrack app

About the BirdTrack app

Launching the new BirdTrack App

On the 30th August 2022, we released a significant update to the BirdTrack app: a brand new look and feel, a more intuitive experience and more in-app options.

Features of the new BirdTrack app

  • Quick and easy list creation with an illustrated checklist of the most likely species
  • Submit a single record with the 'Quick Add' option, perfect for one-off sightings
  • Add optional information like breeding behaviour and plumage to any sightings
  • Automatic weather information, including cloud cover, temperature and wind direction for each list (can be edited if required)
  • Submit amphibian, butterfly, dragonfly, mammal, orchid, and reptile records
  • Edit previously submitted lists
  • View summaries of past visits, with a map of areas visited and an illustrated list of the species recorded
  • View sightings from other BirdTrackers, with a map displaying the species found across Britain and Ireland, and filters for specific species or notable observations
  • Find out what other BirdTrackers have recorded at a particular location
  • Keep track of life and year lists

Downloading the new version of the app

Update the app to access the new features and interface. 

Visit Google Play (for Android) or the App Store (for Apple) on your mobile device, search for the BirdTrack app, and select 'update'.

Technical information

This new version of the BirdTrack app has been designed to support as many devices as possible. It is available on both Android and iOS (Apple) platforms.

To run the updates, you will need an operating system of at least Android 6 (Marshmallow) or iOS 12.4. If you have a device that is running older versions of these, you can continue to use the old version of the BirdTrack app. However, you won’t be able to update to the new version of the app.

We will continue to support the old version of the app until the end of 2022.

If you have any questions about the new app or the update process please email birdtrack@bto.org.

Information Updates

The information below will be updated in due course to fully reflect the new BirdTrack app. If you are struggling to find an answer to your question below, please get in touch via birdtrack.org.uk

The 2016 update of this app was designed and developed in-house by the BTO Information Services Team and launched in March 2016. The original Android version was developed in-house and released in September 2012. The original iOS version was developed by BTO IS Team & App Developers UK and launched in February 2013.

Important note about auto-ID tools:

We recognise the growing popularity of auto-ID tools that use audio or image inputs to provide species identification, but we currently ask volunteers not to solely rely on these tools when submitting data to us.

BirdTrack features in mobile devices

These features will be updated in due course to fully reflect the new BirdTrack app's interface and features.

  • Log your bird sightings anywhere in the world
  • Use maps and GPS to get accurate location fixes
  • 'Smart' species checklists for adding sightings, based on what has been recorded in that area.
  • Simple +/-/circa buttons to easily add and modify counts while you're out birding
  • Sync all your existing BirdTrack places
  • View a map of recent sightings
  • Upload everything into your BirdTrack account
  • View your year and life lists
  • View target species that you haven't seen this year / ever
  • Full help within the app
  • Designed to be translatable into many languages; if yours isn't yet supported, contact us.

FAQs

We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions for people using BirdTrack and divided them into three categories: For beginners, Using BirdTrack and Troubleshooting.

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