SeaBC: Bird Watching at Sea for Citizen Scientists
Join SeaBC, the mariner’s bird count, to contribute to seabird conservation. Learn how cruisers can help collect vital data for global avian research.
For mariners, bird watching at sea is more than a relaxing pastime—it’s an opportunity to contribute to a global citizen science project. The SeaBC (Seabird Christmas Bird Count) invites cruisers and mariners to document seabirds, helping scientists understand species abundance and distribution.
What is SeaBC?
SeaBC is a citizen science initiative inspired by the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count. Unlike the traditional land-based count, SeaBC focuses on birds seen at sea. This effort began in 2011 and spans a wide geographical range, from Maine to Antarctica.
For the 2022-2023 SeaBC, mariners are encouraged to photograph birds they encounter, jot down notes, and later identify the species with help from the Birding Aboard Facebook community. You don’t need to be an expert; the online community and seabird guides make identification easier.
How to Participate
- Take Photos: Snap digital photos of birds seen while cruising.
- Record Notes: Jot down your observations—date, location, and weather conditions.
- Upload Data: Share your findings via the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology’s eBird database (www.ebird.org), available in multiple languages.
All data is stored in eBird’s global database, accessible to scientists and citizens alike.
Resources for Bird Watching at Sea
- Books: Birds of the West Indies (Princeton Field Guides) by Herbert Raffaele et al. is a valuable identification tool for Caribbean cruisers.
- Online Community: The Birding Aboard Facebook page offers resources, tally sheets, and guidance.
- Educational Value: Perfect for homeschooling, SeaBC teaches children about seabird conservation, marine biology, and citizen science. Young participants even receive a personalized certificate to commemorate their contribution.
Why It Matters
Seabirds are among the least understood bird groups, with significant gaps in knowledge about their breeding, migration, and wintering behaviors. By participating in bird watching at sea through SeaBC, mariners help fill these gaps, contributing to the conservation of seabird species worldwide.
Join the Effort
SeaBC founder Diana Doyle, currently cruising on a PDQ catamaran, emphasizes the importance of this initiative. Alongside Devi Sharp, a retired wildlife biologist and SeaBC Advisory Board member, Doyle encourages mariners to get involved.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious cruiser, bird watching at sea through SeaBC is an exciting way to enjoy your time on the water while making a meaningful impact.
For more resources and information, visit Birding Aboard and All At Sea.
Devi Sharp has written for ALL AT SEA since 2008.
Worth your time?
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