MDOsprey,

For those of you that have been using eBird, hopefully you have noticed 
the new feature in the past week--the plotting of birding hotspots on 
Google Maps. Previously one had to select hotspots from a drop-down list 
based on the hotspot name; the new mapping feature has much improved 
functionality and accuracy. Please check it out and consider entering 
all your birding lists this way from now on--when data are entered 
through existing hotspots it makes it easier to track sightings at 
Important Bird Areas (IBAs), refuges, and other sites of conservation 
interest.

For those of you that have not been using eBird, this is a great new 
tool for visiting birders. Simply pretend you are entering observations 
for some state where you will be visiting or want to go birding. Zoom in 
to see the red flags and by clicking on the red flags you'll be able to 
see the local Birding Hotspots on a map as well as the names of the 
locations. This can really help to plan a birding route around somewhere 
like the Salton Sea so you can see how the hotspots connect with roads 
and your planned route.
You do need to be a registered user (don't worry, it's free) to use this 
feature. And while there playing with the hotspots map, please consider 
entering a bird checklist from your day of birding! Every observation is 
of value and is welcomed.

Best,

Marshall Iliff

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Marshall J. Iliff
West Roxbury, MA
miliff AT aol.com
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eBird/AKN Project Leader
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
159 Sapsucker Woods Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
http://www.ebird.org
http://www.avianknowledge.net
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