Last updated: March 21, 2026

TrailBird respects your privacy. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights.

Email address: When you sign up for updates or to access map features, we collect your email address.

Location (optional): You may optionally provide your city or zip code to help us show relevant content.

Browser geolocation: If you click 'Find birds near me', your browser may share your location. This is never stored on our servers.

Usage data: We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use the site. This collects anonymized data about page views, device type, and referral sources.

To send you birding updates and rare bird alerts (if you sign up).
To improve the site and understand which features are most useful.
To display relevant content based on your location preferences.
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes.

We use browser localStorage to remember your email so you do not need to re-enter it on each visit. This data stays on your device and is not transmitted to our servers after initial signup.

Google Analytics uses cookies to track site usage. You can opt out using browser settings or the Google Analytics opt-out extension.

eBird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology): We fetch bird observation data from eBird's public API. No personal data is shared with eBird.

OpenStreetMap / Nominatim: We use OpenStreetMap for trail data and Nominatim for address search. Search queries are sent to Nominatim's servers but are not linked to your identity.

Google Analytics: Anonymized usage tracking. See Google's privacy policy for details.

Email addresses and locations are stored until you request deletion. Usage analytics are retained per Google Analytics' default retention settings.

You may request to view, correct, or delete your personal data at any time by contacting us via the Feedback button. If you are in the EU, you have additional rights under GDPR including data portability and the right to restrict processing.

We use HTTPS encryption for all data in transit. Access to the database is restricted to authorized administrators. We do not store passwords (email-only signup).

TrailBird is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children.

We may update this policy as our practices evolve. The date at the top reflects the most recent revision.

For privacy questions or data deletion requests, use the Feedback button on any page.