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eBird Basics for Beginners
1. Create a Free Account
![](../../images/eBird for Beginners - 1.png)
There are 2 ways to use eBird: on a computer or on a smart phone. For either of these options, you first need to create a free account with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
2. Use the Right eBird Portal
On Your Computer
On the Phone App
![Atlasing between May 1 - August 31, use this portal.](../../images/eBird for Beginners - 4.png)
![Atlasing between September 1 - April 30, use this portal.](../../images/eBird for Beginners - 5.png)
Change the portal by tapping the menu in the eBird app (red hand icon).
3. Start Submitting Observations to eBird
Video 1: How to Enter Records into eBird on Your Computer
Video 2: How to Enter Records into eBird on Your Phone
For more detailed instructions, check out the eBird User Guide.