Map that bird!

[Tom Wilberding]

Hello birders,

Some folks have asked me how to create a map link to show where they saw a bird, like this map link: http://goo.gl/maps/EPZtd. Ted Floyd and others have done this for years. Lately Google Maps has made it easier than ever. Anyone can do this, and once you get the hang of it, it only takes about 30 seconds to create a map link, not just a static map but one that can be zoomed out-of to see nearby landmarks, gain perspective, and get directions from home. “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Try it, you’ll like it, and so will your COBirder friends.

1. Go to https://maps.google.com/
   
2. Type into the Google box the name of a city and state near your bird sighting. Hit Enter.
   
3. Use your mouse to drag the map around as needed.
   
4. Use the left vertical slider to zoom in and out. (I prefer to zoom in close; the viewer can always zoom out if needed.)
   
5. Notice at the upper right you can click on “Map” or “Satellite.” Take your pick. (There is also the option to click on, “Earth,” but that is more complicated and time consuming.)
   
6. Once you have the map the way you want folks to see it, you are ready to create a link to it, but wait, how about adding a blue marker to show where you were standing when you saw the bird? Maybe another marker to show where the bird was perched?
   
7. To add a marker, or to advance to your link, click on the box “My places” at the upper left column.
   
8. You will see “Loading….” Then click on the red box “CREATE MAP.”
   
9. At the upper left map corner you will see a little blue teardrop or balloon or marker. Click on it.
   
10. Move your mouse. You will see that the marker is traveling with your mouse. Take it to the spot you want the black x to sit and click right there.
    
11. Now type in a title like “Eastern Bluebird” and maybe a description like “Perched in this area,” then “OK.”
    
12. Next click on the box upper left column “Saved.”
    
13. Almost done. To get your link click on the chain icon next to the printer icon, upper left column.
    
14. Click on the empty square “Short URL.” (This is Google’s recent answer to Tiny.cc)
    
15. Right click your mouse, “Copy.”
    
16. Go to your COBird post and right click your mouse, “Paste.”
    
17. Before you post your sighting, click on your short URL to make sure it takes the viewer to your map.
    

That sounds complicated, but gets easier with practice. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions. 

Best,
Tom Wilberding
Boulder, Colorado