# eBird MCP Server

An MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that integrates with the eBird API to help plan bird-watching trips through Claude.

## Features

- Find birding hotspots by location
- Get recent bird observations
- Find rare bird sightings
- Get species information
- Plan birding trips based on target species

## Prerequisites
- Node.js 18 or higher
- npm package manager
- Claude Desktop application
- eBird API key (get one at https://ebird.org/api/keygen)

## Setup Instructions

### 1. Clone the Repository
```bash
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/ebird-mcp.git
cd ebird-mcp
```

### 2. Install Dependencies
```bash
npm install
```

### 3. Build the Project
```bash
npm run build
```

### 4. Get eBird API Key
Sign up at https://ebird.org/api/keygen to get your free API key.

### 5. Configure Claude Desktop

Find your Claude Desktop configuration file:
- **Windows:** `%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json`  
- **macOS:** `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`  
- **Linux:** `~/.config/claude/claude_desktop_config.json`

Add this configuration:
```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ebird-mcp": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/absolute/path/to/ebird-mcp/build/index.js"],
      "env": {
        "EBIRD_API_KEY": "your-ebird-api-key-here"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

**Important:** Replace `/absolute/path/to/ebird-mcp` with the actual path where you cloned the repository.

### 6. Restart Claude Desktop
Close and reopen Claude Desktop to load the MCP server.

## Available Tools

- `get_nearby_hotspots` - Find birding hotspots near a location
- `get_recent_observations` - Get recent bird sightings in an area
- `get_notable_observations` - Find rare birds in an area
- `get_species_observations` - Find specific species sightings
- `get_hotspot_info` - Get detailed hotspot information
- `search_species` - Search for species by name

## Development

Run in development mode:
```bash
npm run dev
```

## Example Usage in Claude

"Help me plan a birding trip near Canazei, Italy to see rare birds"

"What rare birds have been seen near Central Park, New York recently?"

"Find recent sightings of Bald Eagles near Seattle"

## License

MIT