How to Access Rare Bird Alerts (RBAs) Online

Whether you are taking a birding trip or are just interested in knowing if any rare birds are in your area, you can access RBAs online to get up-to-the-minute information.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• computer

1. Go to www.birder.com. Click on Birding and then on Rare Bird Alert.
2. Click on the state or province you want the RBA for. Scroll down the list of RBAs for that area and click on the latest RBA for current information.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are interested in chasing rare birds anywhere in North America, consider joining the North American Rare Bird Alert (NARBA), a subscription-based service that will notify you anytime an extraordinary rarity shows up any place on the continent. Basic service (allowing you to call the NARBA phone number or log onto the Web site) is $25 per year. Go to www.narba.org for complete details.
• You can also access RBAs online at www.virtualbirder.com. Click on Real Birds in the bottom right-hand corner of the home page, and you'll be taken to a list of states' and provinces' RBAs, as well as a list of organizations and books about the area.