Record wildlife sightings...anytime, anywhere!

Species Explorer lets you record all your observations of wildlife, whether you're at home, or on a distant hike, using a combination of web and mobile technology. Our focus is not on distant or exotic species–the Amazonian rainforest or the Arctic tundra–but the "everyday" species that we see in our local environment. Whether it is the abandoned lot at the end of our street, the local park, or a nearby wildlife refuge, there is a rich, exciting diversity of plants and animals waiting to be discovered. And you can keep track of it all using Species Explorer!

The "Secret" to Spotting Wildlife

Watching wildlife is a pleasure you can enjoy at any age, and although national parks provide the most spectacular settings in which to do so, even the most urban location offers opportunities. You don't need any special equipment, although a decent set of binoculars is of good use. You can do it in any weather, at any time of day. In fact, you don't even need to leave your house...as anyone knows who has sipped hot cocoa comfortably inside while watching the chickadees brave ice and snow. But if you want to see more than what's outside your kitchen window, you have to go out and explore. And when you do, there are some basic skills that will help you see the wildlife around you. Here's three I find important:

Most Wanted!

Zebra Mussels

The Zebra mussel is an invasive species of mussel, about the size of a fingernail but sometimes up to two inches in length. Originating in Russia, over the past couple centuries they have spread to Western Europe, then to North America.