NestWatch by the Cornell Lab

Wonderful idea for an app but it’s basically unusable. The app constantly glitches and crashes. I can’t even load previous nest data or enter new data while in the field despite having good service. Had the same problem last year and it’s still not fixed.

I’ve enjoyed entering data in Nestwatch for several years, but this year the app has become basically unusable for me. If I try to make more than one entry on a single day, I can usually make the first entry ok, but after that the Submit button doesn’t work. This happens whether I’m trying to enter data for more than one location on a single day, or for more than one date for a single location. I have been in contact with customer support, but they haven’t been able to help me. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve deleted and reinstalled the app. I’ve updated my iPad, rebooted my iPad, and tried going thru the website to enter my data instead of using the app. Nothing works. I’m watching two active nest boxes right now. Today I visited both but can’t enter both observations today, so I’ll try to remember to enter the second visit tomorrow. This is seriously getting to be more trouble than it’s worth.

The new version in May 2021 is a major improvement and has allowed me to use the App again! I have a large collection of nest boxes and earlier this year the old app became unusable. This upgrade came just in time to let me keep working in the field! The photo management is much smoother, the map, filtering, and summary pages are quick and I have yet to crash! Thank You! *update May 2022 This app is still really useful but after using it for a year with multiple users sharing a log- in to all have access to the same 400+ nests it needs a button to force it to refresh or update “all data”. It regularly does not show me new nest checks that others have made until I open the nest and “pull down “ - then it will find the new check. This has caused problems many times including checking nests more often than needed!

Location services must be enabled for the app to work. Otherwise, the app gets stuck while "getting your nest in order, step 3 of 7."

Allowing the app to sort my nests by ‘nearby’ makes my nest checks much easier! The new dark mode looks great.

The new update for May 2021 works well and helps me enter my nest checks effortlessly. I have enjoyed the simplified form and “nearby nests” feature.

Excellent update that makes it much easier to enter nest observations. Love the new dark mode - makes it easier to see in the bright sun. Also, notable improvements to the map and adding new nests.

I realize this app probably doesn’t get a lot of funding so am making these comments knowing it probably won’t change, but here are my wishes for the app: Add Touch ID so I don’t have to put in credentials every time, or at least let me save my ID/pw Add “select from photos” to the photo page so I don’t have to go to the visit to add it

I was excited to download this app but when I agreed to the rules of nest watching I needed to restart the whole signing up.😡

Well this App was a bit clunky it was working. It starts by saying it’s syncing offline data, which I didn’t enter, the there’s a continue button. Nothing happens when you tap it. Both my iPhone and the app are running most recent versions.