What is BirdCast?
BirdCast uses weather radar to map nocturnal bird migration across the contiguous United States, with forecasts of migration intensity for the next few nights. Its "Lights Out" alerts help reduce bird collisions.
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BirdCast
Live and forecast maps of bird migration over the United States
- Coverage
- Contiguous United States
- Updates
- Live
- Price
- Free
- Sign-up
- Not needed
- View
- Flat map
What you can do
- Live migration maps from radar
- Three-night migration forecasts
- Local migration dashboards
The details
- Coverage
- Contiguous United States
- Updates
- Live / real time
- Data source
- NEXRAD weather radar
- Made by
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Colorado State University and UMass Amherst (university / research)
- Price
- Free
- Account
- No account needed
- On phones
- Works well on phones
- Map view
- Flat map
Tips for using BirdCast
- On big migration nights, turn off unnecessary outdoor lights.
Who it is for
BirdCast is especially useful for hikers & outdoor fans and weather watchers.
Questions about BirdCast
Is BirdCast free?
Yes. BirdCast is free to use.
Do I need an account to use BirdCast?
No. You can open the map and use it without signing up.
How often is BirdCast updated?
BirdCast shows data in real time or close to it, so what you see is happening now (most live maps have a delay of a few seconds to a few minutes).
Where does BirdCast get its data?
NEXRAD weather radar.
Can I use BirdCast on my phone?
Yes. The website works well in a phone browser.
What are some alternatives to BirdCast?
Similar maps include NASA FIRMS Fire Map, AirNow Fire and Smoke Map, Global Forest Watch and Electricity Maps. See the full list of BirdCast alternatives on ColorfulMaps.
Summary based on public information about BirdCast. Features and prices change; the map's own website has the latest details.
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