BP

Hi, I'm Ben.

I built birdsbirdsbirds because I wanted a better way to learn the birds I keep missing.

Why I built this

I'm a product designer based in San Francisco. I've been birding for a few years, which mostly means I notice birds, wonder what they are, and then forget to look them up.

The problem wasn't motivation. I actually wanted to learn. But field guides felt like studying for a test - I'd flip through a few pages, read something once, and retain nothing. I needed something that made me practice, not just read.

Merlin is excellent for identifying what's right in front of you. eBird is great for tracking what you've seen. But there wasn't a good way to actually learn birds the way Duolingo helps you learn a language - through repetition and small moments of recognition that add up over time. So I built one.

What this is (and isn't)

This is a learning tool. It's not a replacement for Merlin (use that for ID) or eBird (use that for logging). It's the practice space in between.

  • Quizzes on local birds, built around where you actually bird
  • Context on behavior, habitat, and what to listen for - not just plumage
  • Short sessions you can do on your phone whenever you have a few minutes
  • Progress tracking so you can see what's sticking and what isn't

My commitment to birds

5% of every subscription goes to bird conservation. Right now that means Audubon, American Bird Conservancy, and a rotating local bird observatory.

I'll publish the total donation amount every year. If you want to see where the money is going, just ask.

Free if you need it to be

If you're a teacher, artist, or person who can't afford the price, this is free for you. Email me at ben@birdsbirdsbirds.net and I'll get you set up no questions asked.

Get in touch

Found a bug, have a feature idea, or just want to talk about birds? Email ben@birdsbirdsbirds.net.