[2026-05-18 06:47:12] Lena Brooks: Hi, I'm at Maple Hollow Wetland for the 7:00 AM bird survey, but the app says my route is locked.
[2026-05-18 06:47:38] Support - Nikhil: Good morning, Lena. I can help. Are you using the BirdWatch survey app or the web form?
[2026-05-18 06:47:49] Lena Brooks: The app, version 4.8. I downloaded the route last night.
[2026-05-18 06:48:21] Support - Nikhil: Thanks. I see Maple Hollow Wetland Route B assigned to you for today. The route unlocks when your phone is within 150 meters of the start marker. Are you near the north parking lot kiosk?
[2026-05-18 06:48:44] Lena Brooks: I'm by the south trail entrance. I thought that was the start point.
[2026-05-18 06:49:10] Support - Nikhil: Route B starts at the north kiosk this season because of the boardwalk closure. If you tap Route Details, it should show the updated start location.
[2026-05-18 06:49:36] Lena Brooks: Found it. That's about a 6-minute walk from here.
[2026-05-18 06:49:58] Support - Nikhil: That should work. Once you reach the kiosk, pull down on the route screen to refresh. The Start Survey button should turn green.
[2026-05-18 06:56:27] Lena Brooks: I'm at the kiosk now. It unlocked. Thanks.
[2026-05-18 06:56:45] Support - Nikhil: Great. Before you begin, please confirm your start time as 7:00 AM if you are waiting for the official survey window.
[2026-05-18 06:57:02] Lena Brooks: Yes, I'll wait. One more question: there are already Canada geese visible on the pond. Do I count them now or at 7?
[2026-05-18 06:57:31] Support - Nikhil: Count only birds detected during the official 7:00-7:20 AM survey window. If they are still present at 7:00, include them.
[2026-05-18 06:58:04] Lena Brooks: Got it. If I hear a bird but don't see it, should I mark heard only?
[2026-05-18 06:58:29] Support - Nikhil: Yes. Select the species, enter the count, and set Detection Type to Heard. If you are uncertain, use the closest taxonomic group, such as sparrow sp., and add a note.
[2026-05-18 06:59:11] Lena Brooks: Perfect. I also have light rain starting. Is the survey still valid?
[2026-05-18 06:59:39] Support - Nikhil: Light rain is acceptable. Please record weather as Light Rain and wind level if prompted. Stop the survey if visibility drops sharply or there is thunder.
[2026-05-18 07:00:03] Lena Brooks: Starting now.
[2026-05-18 07:14:22] Lena Brooks: Quick check: I have 12 red-winged blackbirds, 4 mallards, 2 song sparrows, and 1 bird I'm not sure about. It sounded like a yellow warbler but I didn't get a clear look.
[2026-05-18 07:14:56] Support - Nikhil: For the uncertain bird, enter warbler sp. if you are confident it was a warbler. Add a note that it sounded like Yellow Warbler but was not visually confirmed.
[2026-05-18 07:15:18] Lena Brooks: Thanks. Should the blackbirds be counted individually if they keep moving between cattails?
[2026-05-18 07:15:49] Support - Nikhil: Use your best estimate of unique individuals at one time. Do not recount the same birds as they move within the survey area.
[2026-05-18 07:20:31] Lena Brooks: Survey complete. The app says "pending upload" because cell service is weak.
[2026-05-18 07:20:58] Support - Nikhil: That's normal. Keep the app open for a minute. If it does not upload, it will retry automatically when you have a stronger connection.
[2026-05-18 07:21:17] Lena Brooks: Can I close it while I walk back to the car?
[2026-05-18 07:21:42] Support - Nikhil: Yes. Please avoid logging out. The checklist is saved locally and should upload once your phone reconnects.
[2026-05-18 07:29:06] Lena Brooks: It uploaded. Confirmation ID is MH-B-20260518-0719.
[2026-05-18 07:29:31] Support - Nikhil: I see it in the system. Your submission is complete.
[2026-05-18 07:29:44] Lena Brooks: Excellent. Thanks for the fast help.
[2026-05-18 07:30:02] Support - Nikhil: You're welcome, Lena. Thank you for contributing to the spring wetland survey.