# General **URL:** https://forum.inaturalist.org/c/general/14.md?page=5 [Latest](https://forum.inaturalist.org/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.inaturalist.org/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.inaturalist.org/tags.md) **Page:** 6 --- ## [Why obscure observations?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/why-obscure-observations/83999)
**Author:** [@bloomingtmrw](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/bloomingtmrw)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2026, 6:46pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/why-obscure-observations/83999 "2026-09-01T18:46:46Z")
One thing Ive noticed is that some users will obscure everything, even a common dandelion in a public park. I understand obscuring locations on private property, vulnerable taxa, and observations you may be making while … --- ## [A new network to learn about and conserve nature: Notable Naturalists](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/a-new-network-to-learn-about-and-conserve-nature-notable-naturalists/84778)
**Author:** [@carlos2](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/carlos2)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2026, 5:46pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/a-new-network-to-learn-about-and-conserve-nature-notable-naturalists/84778 "2026-09-01T17:46:09Z")
More than 80 naturalists from every state in the country participated in the first national meeting of a community that seeks to harness the experience of the most active observers on iNaturalistMX. Thirteen years after… --- ## [More than 10x as many new users on August 16?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/more-than-10x-as-many-new-users-on-august-16/84806)
**Author:** [@lnlcflx](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/lnlcflx)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2026, 3:54pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/more-than-10x-as-many-new-users-on-august-16/84806 "2026-09-01T15:54:11Z")
Was there a major bioblitz on August 16 that I missed? --- ## [Observations of the same plant](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/observations-of-the-same-plant/84797)
**Author:** [@plantman4](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/plantman4)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2026, 1:56pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/observations-of-the-same-plant/84797 "2026-09-01T13:56:50Z")
For the last few weeks I have been thinking about possibly engaging in a small informal project next year that tracks random marked individual wild plants over their entire growing cycle. More specifically, my goals for… --- ## [Method to flag observations for Export](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/method-to-flag-observations-for-export/84725)
**Author:** [@mycoastro](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/mycoastro)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2026, 3:49pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/method-to-flag-observations-for-export/84725 "2026-08-31T15:49:53Z")
Is there an easy method to flag observations that I’d like to export periodically to csv? It’s easy to get my own observations using my Username. However, I’d like to export select observations by other users where I hav… --- ## [Renaming of Gulf of Mexico and Lake Ontario on Google Maps baselayer](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/renaming-of-gulf-of-mexico-and-lake-ontario-on-google-maps-baselayer/61520)
**Author:** [@eyekosaeder](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/eyekosaeder)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2026, 1:10pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/renaming-of-gulf-of-mexico-and-lake-ontario-on-google-maps-baselayer/61520 "2026-08-31T13:10:50Z")
Firstly, I know that iNaturalist is not responsible for the underlying maps (I think Google is?), so I hope it is okay if I still put it in this category. Somewhat related to the US data purge topic, the Gulf of Mexico … --- ## [Use of AI to edit observation images](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/use-of-ai-to-edit-observation-images/84700)
**Author:** [@florajenensis](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/florajenensis)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2026, 6:51am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/use-of-ai-to-edit-observation-images/84700 "2026-08-31T06:51:12Z")
Outside of iNaturalist, I regularly use AI image editors such as Gemini to clean up microscopic pictures from debris and sometimes improve focus/lighting. Just a year ago, the quality of such edits was not acceptable at … --- ## [Lower Quality Media - When to delete/ should you tell others to delete?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/lower-quality-media-when-to-delete-should-you-tell-others-to-delete/84239)
**Author:** [@ggulyas](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/ggulyas)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2026, 1:51am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/lower-quality-media-when-to-delete-should-you-tell-others-to-delete/84239 "2026-08-31T01:51:51Z")
Hello! My question is regarding lower quality media (such as blurry photos or recordings with background noise). I did check that there are few forum posts on this topic but i feel this is different enough to start a ne… --- ## [iNat New Zealand users, how do you have your common name lexicons set up?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/inat-new-zealand-users-how-do-you-have-your-common-name-lexicons-set-up/84661)
**Author:** [@ashlikesbirds](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/ashlikesbirds)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2026, 12:55am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/inat-new-zealand-users-how-do-you-have-your-common-name-lexicons-set-up/84661 "2026-08-31T00:55:36Z")
I just spent the last while trying to get my app set up using proper NZ common names for species, and can’t quite work out the best way to achieve this. Aotearoa (Māori and English) seems the best maintained, but unfort… --- ## [What to do if there's no organism in the observation](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/what-to-do-if-theres-no-organism-in-the-observation/84721)
**Author:** [@lavateraguy](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/lavateraguy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2026, 3:07pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/what-to-do-if-theres-no-organism-in-the-observation/84721 "2026-08-30T15:07:06Z")
What I think is a “watermelon slushy sensory stress relief squeeze toy” (identified via Google Images) has been (mis)identified as a fruit. How should I treat this. change the identification to Homo sapiens (it’s an o… --- ## [Help finding identification](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/help-finding-identification/84714)
**Author:** [@mrtnlowr](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/mrtnlowr)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2026, 11:05am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/help-finding-identification/84714 "2026-08-30T11:05:45Z")
I recently made the first identification to species level of an observation of the endangered species Schlumbergera lutea but I can no longer find the observation. Can some help me by providing an appropriate URL? Thank… --- ## [How long does ID take usually?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/how-long-does-id-take-usually/84369)
**Author:** [@davidneate](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/davidneate)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2026, 3:15am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/how-long-does-id-take-usually/84369 "2026-08-30T03:15:09Z")
I have just dipped my toe in iNaturalist. Two observations are for species which apparently have multiple people who can attest to the correctness of one’s ID. I understand if identifiers are overworked, but just need so… --- ## [Identify birds through calls](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/identify-birds-through-calls/84657)
**Author:** [@mezh](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/mezh)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2026, 9:18pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/identify-birds-through-calls/84657 "2026-08-29T21:18:27Z")
I’d like to identify birds through their calls. Can I upload bird calls ? Please explain how. --- ## [Obscured Data Request](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/obscured-data-request/84646)
**Author:** [@nvpyromelana](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/nvpyromelana)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2026, 7:53pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/obscured-data-request/84646 "2026-08-29T19:53:31Z")
Hello, I work for a state wildlife agency. We would like to use data from iNaturalist to inform bag limits and conservation status for reptiles and amphibians. Ideally we would get exact locations and dates of research … --- ## [How can I see my obscured observations for a specific area?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/how-can-i-see-my-obscured-observations-for-a-specific-area/84694)
**Author:** [@ken\_ohio](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/ken_ohio)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2026, 5:14pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/how-can-i-see-my-obscured-observations-for-a-specific-area/84694 "2026-08-29T17:14:04Z")
I am a volunteer for a local park. They created a new wetlands a few years ago. I have been generally surveying the area to see what has appeared there and specifically keeping track of the Odonata species. I use the re… --- ## [Is downvoting the DQA "location accurate" appropriate for Obscured observations?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/is-downvoting-the-dqa-location-accurate-appropriate-for-obscured-observations/84578)
**Author:** [@GeolTel](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/GeolTel)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2026, 1:42pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/is-downvoting-the-dqa-location-accurate-appropriate-for-obscured-observations/84578 "2026-08-29T13:42:35Z")
The help page “What is geoprivacy? What does it mean for an observation to be obscured? : iNaturalist Help” explains what is the “public positional accuracy” for “Obscured” observations (i.e. random pinpoint inside a 0.2… --- ## [RIP, Dr John Jennings](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/rip-dr-john-jennings/84632)
**Author:** [@simono](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/simono)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2026, 1:12pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/rip-dr-john-jennings/84632 "2026-08-28T13:12:56Z")
I only learnt of the news today. Dr John T. Jennings, retired entomologist, botanist and iNaturalist member, left us last week. He has been an incredible influence and inspiration to innumerable Australian naturalists… --- ## [Link between iNaturalist and iRecord](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/link-between-inaturalist-and-irecord/84521)
**Author:** [@droit12](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/droit12)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2026, 10:26am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/link-between-inaturalist-and-irecord/84521 "2026-08-28T10:26:43Z")
Hi, I am looking for advise on the frequency of updating from iNaturalist to iRecord and the criteria? I am new to recording and joined iNaturalist in early July 2026 and really like the interface and the helpfulness of… --- ## [Conundrum of yesterday and today](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/conundrum-of-yesterday-and-today/84574)
**Author:** [@jeanelz](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/jeanelz)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2026, 1:05am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/conundrum-of-yesterday-and-today/84574 "2026-08-28T01:05:53Z")
Saw a https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/34156-Chondrodactylus-bibronii last night before bed, and of course had to take some photos. Unintentionally one photo was on 26 August at 11:59 pm and the next three on 27 August 1… --- ## [Accepted practice for how to mark suspected natural hybrids?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/accepted-practice-for-how-to-mark-suspected-natural-hybrids/84561)
**Author:** [@rymcdaniel](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/rymcdaniel)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2026, 11:30pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/accepted-practice-for-how-to-mark-suspected-natural-hybrids/84561 "2026-08-27T23:30:04Z")
Are there any accepted practices for how to mark a suspected hybrid besides simply identifying it to genus? I believe species in this genus have been noted to hybridize, but the specific combination I am looking at has n… --- ## [Published papers that use iNaturalist data - wiki 4 (2024-2025)](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/published-papers-that-use-inaturalist-data-wiki-4-2024-2025/47837)
**Author:** [@deboas](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/deboas)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2026, 8:17pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/published-papers-that-use-inaturalist-data-wiki-4-2024-2025/47837 "2026-04-23T20:17:21Z")
This is a fourth wiki for providing a user-curated list of scientific publications that use iNaturalist data, covering the years 2024–2025. For the current wiki, see: Publications in 2026–2027 For previous wikis see: P… --- ## [Personal Data Downloads](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/personal-data-downloads/84559)
**Author:** [@compassplant](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/compassplant)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2026, 3:24pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/personal-data-downloads/84559 "2026-08-27T15:24:30Z")
Is there a way to download my data contributions? I’d like to retrieve everything I’ve entered with all associated data fields. --- ## [Nature of the Year campaigns](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/nature-of-the-year-campaigns/84287)
**Author:** [@lnlcflx](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/lnlcflx)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2026, 11:41am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/nature-of-the-year-campaigns/84287 "2026-08-27T11:41:21Z")
Some months ago, I created a project for the nature of the year 2026 in Germany. Nature of the Year is a slogan under which many scientific, conservation or other organizations in Germany announce a “species of the year… --- ## [Create a "natural-hybrids-complex" for each genus](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/create-a-natural-hybrids-complex-for-each-genus/84450)
**Author:** [@pantalaimon](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/pantalaimon)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2026, 3:59am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/create-a-natural-hybrids-complex-for-each-genus/84450 "2026-08-27T03:59:39Z")
Hi, I have read through a lot of threads about the handling of hybrids and natural hybrids here in the forum, but I have not found this exact idea discussed in any of them (just something similar once, but not exactly t… --- ## [Editing location for photos taken with camera (no GPS)](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/editing-location-for-photos-taken-with-camera-no-gps/84349)
**Author:** [@cedave](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/cedave)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2026, 1:22am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/editing-location-for-photos-taken-with-camera-no-gps/84349 "2026-08-27T01:22:47Z")
I have photos taken with a camera. I often took an iPhone photo in the same location so I know the coordinates. If I upload the camera photo and then open “Edit Location”, I can’t figure out how to type in or cut and p… --- ## [Observations of animals and plants from scientific collections](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/observations-of-animals-and-plants-from-scientific-collections/84426)
**Author:** [@erigabrilosi](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/erigabrilosi)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2026, 10:12pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/observations-of-animals-and-plants-from-scientific-collections/84426 "2026-08-26T22:12:47Z")
Hi, guys! I’m new here on the forum, but I’ve been using iNat since 2020 and got way more involved only this year. There’s something that’s been upsetting me regarding some observations, especially those made at universi… --- ## [Is there a way to see a chronological list of "first observed" species for a place?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/is-there-a-way-to-see-a-chronological-list-of-first-observed-species-for-a-place/84519)
**Author:** [@nathanmayflower](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/nathanmayflower)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2026, 6:25pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/is-there-a-way-to-see-a-chronological-list-of-first-observed-species-for-a-place/84519 "2026-08-26T18:25:37Z")
Hi! I found a thread on this from 2019, but wanted to see if anything has changed since then. I apologize if it’s come up recently and I missed it! If I’ve hosted a bioblitz at a place, it would be nice to see what new… --- ## [Wild vs cultivated in utility easement](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/wild-vs-cultivated-in-utility-easement/84055)
**Author:** [@bkatzenberg](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/bkatzenberg)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2026, 5:41pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/wild-vs-cultivated-in-utility-easement/84055 "2026-08-26T17:41:32Z")
The suburban town where I live is not remarkable for biodiversity despite having a lot of conservation land. Utility easement areas are an exception–some combination of abundant sun and distance from houses probably help… --- ## [Migrating bird project?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/migrating-bird-project/84434)
**Author:** [@phma](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/phma)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2026, 5:14pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/migrating-bird-project/84434 "2026-08-26T17:14:39Z")
Last week I observed a flock of geese going on a trip. Is there a project that tracks migrating birds and could possibly link my observation with others of the same flock? --- ## [Looking for annotaiions. Any one is struggling too?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/looking-for-annotaiions-any-one-is-struggling-too/84497)
**Author:** [@diegoalmendras](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/diegoalmendras)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2026, 3:39pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/looking-for-annotaiions-any-one-is-struggling-too/84497 "2026-08-26T15:39:34Z")
A few days ago, a user asked how to find out when a certain species blooms, and I noticed that the Explorer section doesn’t allow searching by annotations, which is not very intuitive. I spent quite a while searching, on… [Previous page](https://forum.inaturalist.org/c/general/14.md?page=4) [Next page](https://forum.inaturalist.org/c/general/14.md?page=6)