The third New York 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.
Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society will host a special training session for field volunteers on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. Lunch will be provided for participants. The workshop, led by regional coordinator Dave Nicosia, is free and open to the public. Registration no later than Feb. 19 is required at doas.us/event/ny-breeding-bird-atlas-training-session.
Breeding bird atlases are efforts to survey defined blocks across New York, 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. 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 New York, held at 20 year intervals.
For further information, visit www.doas.us or call 607-397-3815.
