Page 34 - OutdoorOK2024MayJune ONLINE

Department can get from anglers, the
more biologists can learn.

WHERE TO SHARE:
Just as it takes time to find the perfect rock
for skipping, it takes time to find the right
nature sharing app or site for your needs.
We’ve highlighted four of our favorite sites
below but encourage you to study the features
of the individual sites and their privacy state-
ments before giving them a test run.

iNaturalist
If you’re interested in sharing sighting details
for a variety of organisms (a bird observation
• When the Wildlife Department receives one day, a plant observation the next, and a
reports of aquatic nuisance species like big- turtle observation a week later…), iNaturalist is
head carp, biologists can collect important a great “where to share” candidate. After cre-
data about the invasive species and track ating a free account, you can add observation
their infiltration in the state’s waters. The details from their website or mobile app, share
bighead carp invasion into Oklahoma has notes beyond the standard “what, when, and
proven bizarre so far … reports seem limit- where” fields, and search for sightings made
ed to adult animals, and biologists have not by other iNaturalists in your area. As an added
yet seen signs of recruitment. Additionally, bonus, iNaturalist automatically recommends
the existing population hasn’t seemed to species identifications when you upload a
boom as it has in other states and water- photograph with your observation. Members
ways. The more bighead carp the Wildlife of the iNat community may also recommend
identifications once the observation is posted.
Learn more about iNat’s features in the online
“Getting Started” guide.
Not quite ready to upload and share details
of your nature sightings? Consider using “Seek
by iNaturalist.” (App Store/Google Play) Your
observations and photos won’t be posted
on iNaturalist, but you’ll still get automat-
ed recommendations for species identifica-
tions. Seek is a great iNaturalist alternative for
younger children and classrooms.

eBird
Similar to iNaturalist, eBird documents the
important “what, when, and where” details
of your sightings. But where iNaturalist doc-
uments all organisms, eBird focuses only on
bird sightings. This hub for birders has two pri-
mary features: 1) submitting your list of bird
iNaturalist app. eBird app.

32 OUTDOOR OKLAHOMA