NY Breeding Bird Atlas III Underway

Workshop for Volunteers Scheduled for Feb. 22 in Oneonta

The third NY State Breeding Bird Atlas has begun, and birders, naturalists, landowners and others are needed to help document the  presence of species across the state over the next five years of this important effort.

A training session for field volunteers is scheduled for Sat., Feb. 22, 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Lunch will be provided for participants. The workshop, led by Atlas regional coordinator Dave Nicosia, is free and open to the public. Registration (no later than 2/19) is required at www.doas.us (please use the form below).

Breeding bird atlases are efforts to survey defined blocks across NY, primarily during peak nesting periods of May, June and July, with the goal of finding evidence of breeding by the 200 to 300 species of birds present at that time. A number of types of evidence are used to confirm birds’ status, such as an adult carrying food, males singing in the same location, recently fledged young, and more.

Those with all levels of experience and expertise are needed for the project. Even those who can only identify a few common birds can participate and contribute to the Atlas. Areas near home can be surveyed and data submitted to help draw the larger picture of birds in the state.

Upon completion, the Breeding Bird Atlas will provide information for researchers, planners and decision-makers on the range and population of bird species in the state. This will mark the third atlas for NY, held at 20 year intervals. For further information, visit www.doas.us or call (607) 397-3815.

Registration for this event is now closed.

Contact us at 607-397-3815 and leave us a message that you are interested in case we have any last minute cancellations.