News, updates and release notes from Bird Journal — across web, mobile and desktop.
117 posts
Four small things on the recording screen that were quietly costing you time: a search that said "No species found" without saying why, dates you couldn't type, new locations dropped straight into the country, and subspecies hidden in a menu. All four are sorted.
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Bird Journal now marks a lifer or a year first the moment you record it, and shows your firsts on every entry and down your entries list. There's a new Firsts per Year graph too, answering an idea that has been on the board since 2016.
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Every entry now shows a map of where you recorded, and every location a map of where it is — free, for everyone. The maps themselves are sharper and smoother at every zoom, and ground you've already looked at draws with no signal at all.
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The five screens you move between most now sit in a bar at the bottom of the screen on phones and tablets — one tap each, right where your thumb already is.
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A small badge on the Tools menu now counts the species in your journal waiting on a decision after a taxonomy update. It's a modest thing in its own right — but it's the mechanism we'll be leaning on to move everyone gently onto AviList.
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support.birdjournal.com has been rebuilt from scratch — modern, quick and far more intuitive. Every help article, every idea, every comment and every vote came with it, and you now sign in with the Bird Journal account you already have.
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The screens you use to record what you've seen have been rebuilt from scratch for iOS and Android — one screen instead of three, designed for a thumb in the field, and packed with everything we've always wanted to give them.
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AviList 2025B — the new unified global standard for bird taxonomy — is now in the Bird Journal Library. If you're on the IOC list you move straight across as part of the usual update, and with Clements already current, both of our world taxonomies are now bang up to date.
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The Clements taxonomy in Bird Journal is now up to date with the latest 2025 release — a significant step on our journey towards AviList, the new unified global standard. IOC 15.2 is following shortly.
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The most far-reaching update our iOS and Android apps have had since they launched: they now run the full Bird Journal experience, so import and export, the photo gallery, graphs, maps and reports finally arrive on your phone and tablet.
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Our main website has been redesigned from the ground up to feel more in step with the Bird Journal app — a brighter homepage, real app screenshots, clearer pricing and a fresh premium page. Here's a quick tour.
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The web app now works beautifully on phones and tablets — adapting to whatever screen you're on, with touch-friendly controls throughout. And it's the first step towards a fuller Bird Journal everywhere.
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Our latest Mac and Windows updates make the desktop app noticeably snappier — the Mac especially — and put a long-standing wrinkle in the update process to bed.
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The photo gallery has had a makeover — your pictures now sit in a tiled layout grouped by day, open full-screen with a smooth zoom, and the whole thing feels lighter and faster than ever.
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Our blog has a brand new home — faster, cleaner and easier to read, with quick search and all the old posts carried across. Here's a quick tour of what's changed.
Read moreWe've been working hard on a number of updates to Bird Journal recently. Keep a look out for: - Updated apps - all of our apps are being updated along with the…
Read moreWe've just released an update to the Bird Journal Web app that fixes import from BirdTrack. We're working on matching fixes for the Mac and Windows apps.There…
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The Bird Journal Android app was originally released after the iOS app. Whilst offering the same core experience, it has often been a few steps behind in terms…
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The Bird Journal iOS app now shows a summary chart on the summary screen, letting you see progress at a glance!The presentation is mobile app specific - bars…
Read moreDue to changes in our systems, an update to the Bird Journal Windows app needs to be installed to ensure continued operation after 31st October 2024.Version…
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We made a lot of improvements to eBird & BirdTrack support in Bird Journal over the last year. Here are the highlights of what changed:eBirdImport of…
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Over the years we've had some fantastic contributions from our users to the Bird Journal library. These really boost the appeal of Bird Journal, allowing to…
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New year, new checkout. If you upgrade to premium, buy a gift or update your card details you may notice things look a little different.We've updated our…
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Over the years Bird Journal apps have been released for Windows, iOS, Android and Mac. Now, making Bird Journal even more accessible, Bird Journal is coming to…
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We're pleased to announce that IOC 10.2 is live in the library! This was officially released two days ago on the 25th and includes many taxonomic changes and a…
Read moreWe've made some good progress on an IOC 9.2 taxonomy update in the last weeks. Work is continuing and it will be released soon. This will include updates to…
Read moreWe've just released an update for the Clements taxonomy, bringing it right up-to-date!You'll see a number badge on the Library button if you've updates to…
Read moreA few months back we got an email from the company that stores all of the synchronized data in Bird Journal, telling us we were running out of space. A good…
Read moreI just wanted to let you know that we’re today retiring support for Windows XP for Bird Journal version 4.This decision is prompted by a security change in…
Read moreThe new year has seen a huge boost in the number of Bird Journal users. Some of these users have published content about Bird Journal. Here are a few:Video…
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For a limited time we're offering a free six months of Bird Journal Premium each, when you introduce someone to Bird Journal. (Up to a maximum of 12…
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It has always been possible to use Bird Journal on an iPad, but only as an iPhone app. This meant over-sized text and graphics and also being harder to find in…
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Earlier this year we launched the version 5 desktop software and the response has been very positive. We've heard from many of you about how the new interface…
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Taxonomy updates in Bird Journal are long overdue. The last three months have been spent preparing the first major updates and ensuring the experience is as…
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Editing records in Bird Journal is achieved by editing a specific entry. Certain changes however will be very tedious made to individual entries.The Replace…
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In early versions of Bird Journal we relied on software updates to also provide you with updates to "built-in" taxonomies and checklists. For taxonomies &…
Read moreI'm pleased to announce that the version 5 desktop app is now live, with a refined user experience, Mac support and some great new features.Many, many thanks…
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Maps were just added to the Bird Journal 5 beta, and they're much improved.SpiderifyingMany observations at the same point are no longer a problem thanks to…
Read moreWe're busy with a number of things at the moment, and I thought it would be nice to give you a brief update on each.Bird Journal 5We've now released the early…
Read moreWe've had a lot of fantastic contributions to the Bird Journal library since my last update in November last year.Here's a summary of items added since…
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We're pleased to announce that we've released an initial preview of Bird Journal 5 desktop software to our beta testers. Bird Journal 5 has a refreshing,…
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The security of your data is a top concern for us and it's critical that sync works flawlessly for everyone.To this end we've created a new service that…
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We're exhibiting at the Norfolk Bird & Wildlife Fair this weekend, 16th & 17th May, in the marquee at stand 20.I'm also giving a lecture on Top Apps for…
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Thank you for everyone who completed the survey, we really appreciate your help!I am pleased to announce the winner of the Bird Journal 2015 Survey competition…
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We're conducting a brief survey to clarify priorities and pricing for Bird Journal and would appreciate your feedback.As a thank you, we will send a free iPad…
Read moreIt's been two months since my last blog post, so it's high time for an update on what's been happening. In the last two months there have been:5 updates…
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We've just added support for importing the latest BirdTrack export format. BirdTrack actually changed their format a little while ago, so this update is…
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There are a few Bird Journal Premium features that are only available on the Windows desktop software currently. This is something we are changing, starting…
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It's now possible to purchase a Bird Journal Premium subscription as a gift - perfect for Christmas. You can purchase a one, two or three year subscription,…
Read moreWe've just made a big batch of new items and updates available in the library, mostly for the UK and Europe. You can install these to your account now using…
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It's now possible to sign in to your account on our website to view your account summary. This includes details of when you created your account, your…
Read moreThe new Bird Journal has been live for just three days now and already the number of accounts has doubled.I've already written an article on how to get started…
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Today we are delighted to announce that the all-new Bird Journal is ready to use.New appsOur Android, iOS & Windows apps have each had a big update.You can now…
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We are very excited to launch our free public beta in the next few days. We've been working hard for the last seven months to bring you some significant…
Read moreI'm delighted to be giving a lecture on the top apps for birding at this years Birdfair at Rutland Water. To help bring a wider perspective I've created a…
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Maps in version 3 just got better. We're now using a different company (Mapbox) to provide map data. The data is still from open street map, but is much more…
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New month, and a new version of Bird Journal. A few changes this time, including some to help our effort to release Bird Journal as easily as possible. - New…
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Just a small update this one: - Fixed BirdTrack export sometimes incorrectly merging sightings. - Fixed map screen pause on first load. The update is available…
Read moreRecently we were asked if there was support for users who know their birds by their French names. The main software has not been localised, user interface etc.…
Read moreWe have fixed a number of issues reported since the release of version 3, and these are now available in version 3.1. Enhancements: Graphs are now hidden on…
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Version 3 of Bird Journal is now available from our website! We’ve been busy working for a number of months, together with a group of 30 users who have been…
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Known as the Glastonbury festival for birdwatching, the Rutland Water Birdfair is well underway. Marquees are being erected on site and the Birdfair team are…
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We had a great time in London. It was lovely to see new and existing users of Bird Journal. Our next event is in August 2012 at the Rutland Birdfair, fingers…
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The Bluebird team are excited to be attending the Birdfair at the London Wetland Centre on the 20-22 April 2012. We’ll be happy to show you how Bird Journal…
Read moreWe are pleased to announce the release of Bird Journal version 2.5! The list of improvements and fixes are shown below: Fixed import crash when the format is…
Read moreWe are pleased to announce the official update release of Bird Journal version 2.4. The list of improvements and fixes are shown below: Improved: Import, auto…
Read moreBird Journal makes the perfect gift for you or a birder friend. It comes with a 60 day money back guarantee to ensure you’re completely satisfied with your…
Read moreJust to let you know that iOS 5 compatibility issue is now fixed. The new update has been approved by Apple and can now be downloaded from the App Store.
Read moreBird Journal mobile is experiencing compatibility issues with the new IOS5. If you have recently upgraded your iPhones IOS to 5 then you will experience issues…
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We would like to say a special thank you for those who came to see us at the Birdfair. We would also like to thank Tim Appleton, Emma Tate and all staff who…
Read moreBirdfair stand is setup and ready for the weekend, and Bird Journal Mobile is live on the App Store! See you tomorrow!
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We are very excited to be exhibiting at the British Birdfair in August 2011. The event will take place at Egleton Nature Reserve, Rutland, Friday 19th until…
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Bluebird Technology is exhibiting at the British Birdfair in August 2011. The event will take place at Egleton Nature Reserve, Rutland, Friday 19th – Sunday…
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The first time you load Bird Journal you will be presented with a screen like below. To start adding your sightings into Bird Journal click on the New Entry…
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The installation wizard will automatically create a shortcut to Bird Journal on your desktop: To launch Bird Journal double click on the shortcut icon. The…
Read moreIn the next few weeks we are publishing a series of ‘Getting Started Guides’ to help new and existing users to better understand how Bird Journal works. The…
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It has been another successful year at the Spring Bird Fair, Middleton Hall Tamworth. Thank you for those who came to visit us at our stand, it’s always nice…
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(9.30 am to 5.30 pm on Saturday 21st May, 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday 22nd May - Price: Adults £5, children free) We are exhibiting at The BirdWatchers Spring Fair…
Read moreSince our last point release of Bird Journal v2.2 there were two serious crashes found by our users: 1. Crash when importing wildlife/birds/synonym lists. 2.…
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In the recent update of Bird Journal version 2.2 we have added a new feature: taxonomic ordering. To apply taxonomic ordering - go to the ‘Options –…
Read moreWe are pleased to announce the official release of Bird Journal version 2.2. The point release includes fixes to problems people were having with version 2.1.…
Read moreFor the second year running we are exhibiting at the spring fair in Tamworth on Saturday 21st May and Sunday 22nd May 9:30am to 5.30pm (10am to 4pm Sunday).…
Read moreWe would like to thank Steve Lister for his detailed review of Bird Journal. Steve is a county recorder for Leicestershire and Rutland Ornithological Society…
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Synonym lists can be used to change bird species names to names that are more familiar. For this example let’s take the species Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus)…
Read moreWe would like to thank Martyn Yapp for taking the time to publish a review about Bird Journal version 2.1. Martyn is an active birder and blogger based in the…
Read moreAs you may know, the standard rate of VAT (Value Added Tax) in the UK has increased from 17.5 percent to 20 percent on 4 January 2011. Despite of the VAT…
Read moreWe would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your support over the last year. We will continue to develop innovative bird…
Read moreThe last delivery for first class ends on the 21st Dec. Orders of Bird Journal Box Copy taken before 5pm tomorrow will be dispatched in time for Christmas for…
Read moreI hope you are enjoying the winter birds and are keeping nice and warm. As we are approaching closer to the festive holidays, we would like to inform you of…
Read moreWe would like to thank Mike Javis for creating the Mammals of Australia checklist and also Chris Love and David Spencer for completing the UK Macro Moth…
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To make it easier to buy Bird Journal as a gift this Christmas we have improved the checkout page to include a ‘Gift it’ section. Previously there was no…
Read more“It is very easy to use and self-explanatory and allows one to methodically record each and every species of bird, mammal, butterfly, insect of flower that one…
Read moreWe are pleased to announce our new Twitter and Facebook pages. As you know we are always open to suggestions and if you have any questions we look forward to…
Read moreWe are very pleased to have been reviewed by Bird Watching Magazine this month and would like to share with you their review. “Even if your birdwatching is…
Read moreSummer is truly upon us here in the UK and there is no time like the present to organise your wildlife sightings. We are offering a 15% off all Bird Journal…
Read moreWe are pleased to announce the official release of Bird Journal version 2.1. The point release includes fixes to problems people were having with version 2.0.…
Read moreIn a short space of time we already have a nice selection of wildlife checklists to download thanks to our dedicated Bird Journal users. All checklists are…
Read moreWe are pleased to announce the launch of our very own company forum! This is now live on our website, and can be viewed by clicking on Forum on the menu. The…
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We had an enjoyable weekend exhibiting at the Birdwatcher's Spring Fair in Tamworth. It was great to show off version 2 of Bird Journal, and nice to receive…
Read moreWe are very excited to announce the release of Bird Journal version 2. Right now we are offering a special 10% discount off the full price. This offer can only…
Read moreWe would like to send a special thank you to those who emailed us a sample of your data. We are very pleased with how import has progressed and is nearing…
Read moreSpring is now upon us, and while you are no doubt enjoying the bird activity, we're busy putting the finishing touches to Bird Journal 2.0. The import process…
Read moreDevelopment for version 2 is progressing well. Just a quick note that all orders made from now until release will receive a 20% discount off the upgrade price,…
Read moreWe are very excited to announce that Bird Journal version 2 will be launched exclusively at The Birdwatchers Spring Fair 2010 in Tamworth on the 15th and 16th…
Read moreWe have just recieved our longest testimonial so far! Thanks go to the author David Heeley for his comments. Also Alan Cairns from Canada has updated his…
Read moreWe would like to wish you a very Happy Christmas and joyful New Year. Bird Journal can be ordered online throughout the holiday period. Boxed versions will be…
Read moreVersion 1.4 of Bird Journal has just been released. We have taken the opportunity to fix a few bugs that occur occasionally when running the software. What's…
Read moreeBird is an online community website used to share sightings to help with the conservation of birds, used in America. It was launched in 2002 by Cornell Lab of…
Read moreWe have launched a series of tutorials to show how Bird Journal works. An overview of the software can be found on the Bird Journal Product page; here it shows…
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We would like to share with you our latest work to help spread the word of Bird Journal. Here is the web banner in the making, starting with our first…
Read moreThe British Bird Fair 09 is only days away. We'll be there on Saturday. If you would like to catch up, then just send us an email. We'd love the chance to meet…
Read moreAs Bird Journal continues to mature, we are steadying the rate of updates issued. We're very pleased with how much Bird Journal has grown, and our efforts will…
Read moreVersion 1.3 of Bird Journal has just been released. As you can see we've been quite busy. The custom properties feature in particular was requested a number of…
Read moreOne of the next new features for Bird Journal is Import. As always we want to make it really easy, and we want to make it capable of importing almost any…
Read moreVersion 1.2 of Bird Journal is now live. In this update we've added a complete new edition - the Continent Edition. This edition includes all taxonomies…
Read moreBird Journal version 1.2 is almost ready now. The new calendar date picker is in, and the two extra taxonomies for Spain (Sociedad Española de Ornitología) and…
Read moreWelcome to the new Bird Journal blog. If you're not familiar with 'blogs' then they are a more informal and interactive way of sharing news, information and…
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