Bird data mobile GIS collector using Esri ArcGIS iOS mobile API. The iPad app and Desktop analysis tools have uses for multiple projects on the ranch. Researchers have concluded one study on songbird populations during fall migration, in areas called “shrubby draws,” linear areas that follow a gully and include small amounts of cover surrounded by grasslands. Researchers record an “observation session” on the iPad app, which shows an exact GPS position over high-res imagery. This helps them determine observational distance and didn’t require them to descend into a gully to make an observation, which might destroy habitat and disturb wildlife. Each bird sighting recorded information on bird species, location, and vegetation use. Sessions could be recorded when disconnected and uploaded when finished (and back to wi-fi coverage) with a “Sync” button, which also downloads updates from other researchers.