NatureCounts is an open data platform that collects and interprets data on birds in Canada, then makes the data available and accessible to anyone pursing the conservation of birds and their habitats. It is among the largest biodiversity databases in the world, currently housing over 230 million records from hundreds of projects, spanning over a century.

The NatureCounts platform is made up of the following components:

• The NatureCounts Website is where users can submit, access, and explore data and conservation practitioners can manage their programs and volunteers. Visit it here.

• The NatureCounts Mobile App allows citizen scientists and researchers to collect high quality wildlife monitoring data in a flexible and user-friendly format. Download it here.

• The NatureCounts R Package allows R users to connect directly to the NatureCounts database to access data or complete analysis. Download it here.

• The NatureCounts Summary Tools make the extensive information in NatureCounts easy to visualize, query, understand, and access. View them here.

• Partnerships with dozens of organizations foster both data contributions and data use through access to the discoverable and secure NatureCounts repository.

• The State of Canada’s Birds Portal (in development) will present population status and information about each of Canada’s 703 bird species in readable, accessible, visually appealing summaries.

• Engagement and Education Resources empower individuals to participate in monitoring programs, learn about birds, and use NatureCounts tools to have a positive impact for conservation.

NatureCounts exists to get the right data into the hands of the right researchers and conservation actors to make a difference for birds and their habitats. This resource will introduce you to NatureCounts data, and show you how to access the data you need for your project or initative.

Next section: Introduction to Accessing Data