Cookies policy
Updated 8 October 2026Last updated: 3 October 2026
This policy explains the cookies and similar technologies used on the Birdfact website (birdfact.com), which is run by NC Digital Limited. It sits alongside our privacy policy, which explains how we use personal data more generally.
The Birdfact app doesn't use cookies. It keeps your sign-in session, your settings and a random install ID on your phone, and it has no ads or advertising identifiers.
What cookies are
Cookies are small text files that a website stores in your browser. Websites can also store information in your browser in other ways, such as "local storage". This policy covers all of them, and we call them all "cookies" for short.
Cookies we set
These cookies are set by Birdfact itself.
| Name | What it does | Type | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
sb-…-auth-token (sometimes split into parts ending .0, .1) | Keeps you signed in to your Birdfact account | Necessary | Until you sign out, and no longer than 400 days |
bf_anon_ids, bf_anon_desc | Count the free identifications you've used without an account | Necessary | 30 days |
bf_anon_claim | A random key that lets you keep an identification you made without an account if you then sign up. It's only sent with identification requests | Necessary | 24 hours after your last identification without an account |
bf_sid | A random ID that groups the pages you view into one visit, for our own analytics | Analytics (our own) | 30 minutes after your last page view |
We also use your browser's storage to remember small choices, such as a banner, prompt or tip you've closed or how you like your life list shown, to hold a photo you've chosen while you sign in so you don't lose it, and, if you let the quick sighting log use your location, to remember that location for your visit. If you look up the birds near you, it remembers the place's name and its grid square (about 9 km across, never your exact position) so the list is there next time. These items are named bf_…, bf-… or fab-dismiss. They stay until you clear your browser's data for birdfact.com, or until you close the tab for the ones that only last for your visit.
Necessary cookies are needed for the website to work, so they don't need your consent. Our analytics cookie doesn't identify you by name, isn't shared with anyone else and isn't used for advertising. You can block it in your browser without affecting how the website works.
Cookies set by other companies
| Company | Where | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics | Every page | Measures how the website is used (_ga and _ga_X2XKVPSPB8, which last up to 2 years). In the UK, the EEA and Switzerland these cookies are only set if you agree in the consent tool |
| Mediavine and its advertising partners | Pages that show ads, such as articles | Shows ads, measures them and limits how often you see the same one. With your consent, uses your browsing to show ads that suit your interests |
| YouTube (Google) | The video on our home page, and videos in a few articles | YouTube may set cookies and store information in your browser as soon as one of these videos loads, before you've made any choice, for example to count views and remember your settings |
| Cloudflare (Turnstile) | Sign-up forms and some email sign-up forms | Checks that you're a person rather than an automated program |
| Stripe | Stripe's own payment pages, when you pay on our website | Helps prevent fraud |
We don't show ads on the identification, account, checkout or subscription pages, or to signed-in Birdfact Unlimited subscribers. Each of these companies uses cookies under its own privacy policy. Mediavine lists its partners and their policies at mediavine.com/ad-partners.
Your choices
- Advertising cookies. In the UK and the European Economic Area, Mediavine's consent tool asks for your choice before advertising cookies are used for personalised ads. You can change your choice at any time through the consent tool. If you say no, you may still see ads, but they won't be based on your browsing.
- Analytics cookies (Google Analytics). In the UK, the EEA and Switzerland, they are only used if you agree in the consent tool. We remember your answer in your browser (
bf_analytics_consent), so it applies on every page. You can change it in the consent tool at any time. - Your browser's settings let you block or delete cookies. If you block necessary cookies, you won't be able to sign in or use free identifications without an account.
- Industry opt-outs for interest-based advertising are available from the Network Advertising Initiative and the Digital Advertising Alliance.
Changes and contact
We'll update this policy when the cookies we use change, and the "last updated" date will show when. If you have any questions, email support@birdfact.com or write to NC Digital Limited, 5 Canon Court, Institute St, Bolton BL1 1PZ, United Kingdom.