iNaturalist
Connect with Nature!
iNaturalist is a really useful app for identifying a number of different species. Simply set up an account and start adding photos of anything you see that you might want to know more about. Photos will then be assessed to help you identify your species. This has many benefits, as not only do you get to keep running a catalog of the different species you helped identify. This allows you to connect with a community of other scientists and naturalists who are also passionate about the world around them.
Community Science utilizes the power of large numbers of individuals to generate quality data by recording and sharing observations, this produces research quality data. iNaturalist is a joint initiative by the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society.
eBird
Transforms the global birding community’s passion for birds into a powerful resource for research!
Similarly, eBird utilizes birdwatchers to gather information by generating checklists of birds, to archive, and to freely share. This wealth of data is used by scientists for wildlife monitoring, conservation, and education.
However, this shouldn't be thought of as being strictly for experienced birdwatchers, in fact, the use of eBird is facilitated by the use of the Merlin Bird ID app. Merlin helps you identify birds, utilizing a number of observations, and then gives you a list of possible birds. If you feel you have confidently identified your bird you can record that data. Or if you are unsure or just curious you can simply make the ID. Linking it to your eBird account allows you to manage lists, photos, and audio recordings, maps of species distribution.