Ep. #22: Binoculars and Big Data: How Birders Became Citizen Scientists

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Will and Caleb dive into the fascinating history of birding as a form of citizen science. From the sporting roots of the Christmas Bird Count to the structured rigor of Breeding Bird Survey routes, and the backyard magic of Project FeederWatch, we explore how everyday birders have helped shape scientific understanding for over a century. Plus, Caleb gives us the inside scoop on eBird: how it’s revolutionized data collection and what it means for the future of birding. Whether you're a seasoned lister or just learning to tell a chickadee from a titmouse, this episode shows how your sightings make a difference.