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sightings, and 2) exploring the sightings made
of individual species or at birding “hot spots.”
This exploration feature is accessible without
logging in, but you will need to create a free
account to upload your bird lists and photos,
and to access other features. While eBird is
especially helpful for experienced birders, it
can also help new birders by generating an
area’s expected species list and show when to
expect certain birds in certain areas.
Want to take your birding adventures to the
next level? The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
shares a list of once-a-year and extended bird
counts you can join; ways you can help study
nesting success and nature in cities and towns;
and plugs a photo and audio archive that helps
document the planet’s bird life.

EDDMapS EDDMapS app. Odonata Central app.
The Early Detection and Distribution nature sharing sites, Odonata Central allows
Mapping System, EDDMapS, is all about find- you to upload your observations, search and
ing, mapping, and tracking invasive species. filter their extensive database for other sight-
After creating a free account, you’ll be able ings, and view their records on a map for free.
to share sighting details of invasive plants, Bar charts have also been generated to show
insects, fungi and diseases, and wildlife, the flight seasons of various species.
which can help biologists track their spread. Some of Oklahoma’s first dragonfly and
EDDMapS also searches through other data- damselfly records were collected by a
bases, including iNaturalist, to provide a Bluffton, Indiana banker in 1907 … which
broader look at the invasion. Documenting means nature enthusiasts have been help-
and mapping observations is just one side of ing shape the story
EDDMapS — land managers and naturalists of Oklahoma’s fish SUBSCRIBE TO THE WILD SIDE
can also learn more about the invasive plants and wildlife for more If you’re looking for even more ways to
and animals they may be concerned about and than a century with- get involved in conservation, sign up for
the ecological threats they present. out being biolo- our monthly e-newsletter, the Wild Side.
EDDMapS is a great one-stop-share for inva- gists by trade. Read Each issue features
sive species, but the Wildlife Department also more about how Oklahoma’s nongame
accepts reports of Aquatic Nuisance Species E.B. Williamson’s leg- fish and wildlife and
including mussels, snails, fish, plants, and cray- acy lives on in our the people that work
fish at wildlifedepartment.com. Outdoor Oklahoma to conserve them.
Journal, and discover
Odonata Central more about Oklahoma’s dragonfly history in
Just as eBird focuses solely on birds and “Dragonflies at a Biogeographical Crossroads.”
EDDMapS focuses solely on invasive species, While you're searching for the best nature
Odonata Central focuses solely on members sharing site for you, don’t forget that the Wildlife
of the “Odonata” insect order that includes Department welcomes sightings, especially of
dragonflies and damselflies. Like many other rare species, at wildlifedepartment.com.

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