Projects and Contacts for
North American Breeding Bird Atlas Contacts
Part 2: N - W and Canada
NC | ND | NE | NH | NJ | NM | NV | NY | OH | OK | OR | PA | RI | SC | SD | TN | TX | UT | VA | VT | WA | WI | WV | WY | Canada | AB | BC | MB | ON | NB | NS | NT | NU | PE | PQ | SK | YT | Part 1
Other Avian Distribution Projects

Last updated July 2009
For corrections or updates, see the contact page.

NORAC Directory of Atlas Contacts

UNITED STATES

NEBRASKA

First Atlas: 1984-1989
Second Atlas: 2006-2010
Sponsoring Organisations: Nebraska Ornithologists' Union; Nebraska Game and Parks Commission; (hope to add more).
Project Web site: n/a

Contact:

  • Wayne J. Mollhoff, Coordinator
    Nebraska Breeding Bird Atlas Project II
    2354 Euclid St
    Ashland NE 68003
    (402) 944-2243

Summary of goals:

  • Update and REFINE distribution information with more survey blocks.
  • Focus on rare/under-reported species in first project.

Abundance data collected: No

Summary of abundance data collection methodology:

  • First atlas surveyed 443 priority blocks, each 3X3 miles.
  • Second atlas will survey approximately 540 3X3 mile blocks, which will include all the blocks from the first project. The additional blocks will include sampling all areas of public access lands in the state that are >640 acres (1 sq. mi.) as well as a number of blocks chosen for a variety of other reasons.
  • In addition to standard distributional data collected in accordance with NORAC standardized breeding codes, volunteers are asked to collect habitat use and patch size information.

Available Reference: Mollhoff, W.J. 2002. Nebraska Breeding Bird Atlas, 1984-1989. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

NEVADA

First Atlas: 1997-2000
Second Atlas: n/a
Sponsoring Organisations: Barrick Gold Company; Barrick Museum of Natural History, UNLV; BHP Nevada Mining Corporation; Biological Resources Research Center, UNR; Bureau of Land Management; Bureau of Reclamation, Lower Colorado Region; Bureau of Reclamation, Mid-Pacific Region; Clark County Multi-species Habitat Conservation Plan; Department of Energy; Fallon Naval Air Station; Great Basin National Park, NPS Army Depot; Independence Mining Company; Lahontan Audubon Society Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NPS; Natural Resources Conservation Service; Nellis Air Force Range; Nevada Department of Wildlife; Nevada Land and Resources Company; Nevada Natural Heritage Program; Nevada Power; Red Rock Audubon Society; Sierra Pacific Power Company; Southern Nevada Water Authority; The Nature Conservancy; U.S. Department of Defense - Partners in Flight; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and U.S. Forest Service.
Project Web site: http://www.gbbo.org/nbba.htm

Contact:

  • GBBO Science Director: Elisabeth Ammon, PhD
    1755 E. Plumb Ln Ste 256A, Reno, Nevada 89502
    (775) 323-4226

Summary of goals: unknown

Abundance data collected: unknown

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: unknown

NEW HAMPSHIRE

First Atlas: 1981-1986
Second Atlas: n/a
Sponsoring Organisations: The project was funded by New Hampshire Audubon, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment.
.
Project Web site: n/a

Contact:

  • Carol R. Foss
    26 Penacook St,
    Penacook NH 03303
    603-753-6664

Summary of goals:

  • To characterize the abundance and distribution of breeding birds in NJ;
  • Additionally, the project summarized the same types of information for migrants and winter residents that did not breed in the state.  To accomplish this, ~30 years of CBC data were reviewed as were data collected and published in Records of NJ Birds, a quarterly publication that presents accounts of seasonal bird sightings.

Abundance data collected: No

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: Not applicable

Available Reference: Foss, C.R. (Ed.). 1994. Atlas of the Breeding Birds of New Hampshire. Dover: Audubon Society of New Hampshire.

NEW JERSEY

First Atlas: 1994-1997
Second Atlas: n/a
Sponsoring Organisations The project was funded primarily by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife with several smaller contributors.
Project Web site: http://www.njaudubon.org/Research/Atlas.html

Contact:

  • David S. Mizrahi, Ph.D.
    Vice-president for Research, New Jersey Audubon Society
    600 North Route 47
    Cape May Courthouse, NJ 08210
    Phone: (609) 861-0700 x17 Fax: (609) 861-1651

Summary of goals:

  • To characterize the abundance and distribution of breeding birds in NJ;
  • Additionally, the project summarized the same types of information for migrants and winter residents that did not breed in the state.  To accomplish this, ~30 years of CBC data were reviewed as were data collected and published in Records of NJ Birds, a quarterly publication that presents accounts of seasonal bird sightings.

Abundance data collected: No

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: Not applicable

Available Reference: Walsh, Joan et al., 1999. The Birds of New Jersey. New Jersey Audubon Society.

NEW MEXICO

First Atlas: 2000-2010
Second Atlas: n/a
Sponsoring Organisations: Los Alamos National Bank; Real Estate Associates, Inc. of Los Alamos; US Geological Survey Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center; and at least two-dozen citizens.
Project Web site: http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/nmbba/

Contact:

Summary of goals:

  • To identify the distributions of all species of birds breeding;
  • Produce an atlas of breeding birds in the state and thereby contribute to a better understanding of the state's avifauna.

The atlas objectives include:

  • Survey the state of New Mexico for evidence of breeding during the appropriate seasons for all bird species using survey techniques that can be duplicated 20 to 50 years in the future and that will provide a baseline against which future changes can be measured;
  • Classify and map the breeding evidence for each species using a set of codes based upon observable criteria for territorial, breeding, nesting, and rearing behaviours;
  • Gather up-to-date information on the relative abundance, timing of breeding, and habitat selection of New Mexico breeding birds;
  • Organize data from breeding observations into a series of maps (an atlas) that show the breeding occurrence, distribution, and abundance of each species within a grid of uniform blocks covering the state.

Abundance data collected: Yes

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: To estimate relative abundance, atlassers visit a minimum of eight kilos (defined below) of their choice within an assigned block. During these visits a two-hour timed record of the birds observed in each of the selected kilos is kept. Atlassers tried to visit kilos that were spread throughout the block and covered all available habitats. The timed record for each kilo may be divided in any way that is convenient. For example, a one-hour visit may be made in early June with the second hour in early July.

Abundance Form: http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/nmbba/abundanc.htm

Kilo: The state of New Mexico has been divided into 156 atlas squares that are 50 kilometres on a side. Each of these squares contains 100 5-km x 5-km blocks. The 5-km x 5-km block is the basic unit of the atlas project. Each block is further divided into 1-km squares called kilos for determining relative abundance.

Los Alamos County, NM

First Alas: unknown
Second Atlas: n/a
Project Web site: n/a

Contact:

  • Jim Travis-editor
    9420 Avenida de la Luna, NE
    Albuquerque, NM 87111
    (505) 821-0517

Available Reference: Travis, J. R, Crowe, Dorothy and Campbell, Katherine. 1992. Atlas of the breeding birds of Los Alamos County, New Mexico: Pajarito ornithological survey. Los Alamos, NM: Los Alamos National Laboratory.

NEW YORK

First Atlas: 1980-1985
Second Atlas: 2000-2005
Sponsoring Organisations: Return a Gift to Wildlife and Hudson River Estuary Program; the New York State Ornithological Association; the Department of Environmental Conservation; the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Cornell University; Cornell University Department of Natural Resources; and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology.
Project Web site: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7312.html

Contact:

  • Kevin McGowan, Publication Co-Editor
    Cornell Lab of Ornithology
    159 Sapsucker Woods Road
    Ithaca, NY  14850
    (607) 254-2432
  • Kimberley Corwin, Publication Co-Editor / Project Coordinator
    NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, 5th floor,
    Albany, NY 12233-4754
    518-402-8906

Summary of goals:

  • To determine the current (2000 to 2005) breeding range of each bird species that breeds in New York State;
  • To compare the current range with the range determined in the first atlas project (1980-1985).

Abundance data collected: No

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: Not applicable

Available Reference: Andrle, R.F. and J.R. Carroll (Eds.). 1988. The Atlas of Breeding Birds in New York State. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press
McGowan, K.J. and K. Corwin, eds. 2008. The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in New York State. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY.

NORTH CAROLINA

First Atlas: 1988-1993
Second Atlas: n/a
Sponsoring Organisation: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences; the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
Project Web site: n/a

Contact:

  • John Gerwin
    Curator of Birds
    NC Museum of Natural Sciences
    11 W. Jones St., Raleigh, NC 27601

Summary of goals:

  • To determine presence/absence data from a specified time period, covering as much of the State as possible;
  • The most recent goal, after so many years, was to publish the atlas via an interactive website. The data has been previously sent to the North Carolina GAP program. Recently, the data was authorized for use by the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center.

Abundance data collected: No

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: Not applicable

NORTH DAKOTA

First Atlas: An atlas was conducted as a one-man effort spanning 1950-1972 (but primarily 1961-1970) by Stewart, using a township-based grid system.
Second Atlas: n/a
Project Web site: n/a

Contact:

  • Larry Igl
    Ecologist, U.S.G.S. Biological Resources Division
    Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
    8711 37th Street SE
    Jamestown, North Dakota 58401-7317
    Phone: (701) 253-5511 Fax: (701) 253-5553

Project Type: Comparative Report to original “atlas”.

Project summary: Extensive survey of breeding birds in North Dakota conducted by Stewart and Kantrud (1972) in 1967 to obtain estimates of state-wide breeding bird abundances and frequencies of occurrence. Data from the Stewart-Kantrud survey provided a unique opportunity to evaluate changes in breeding bird populations in the northern Great Plains. In 1992 and 1993, Igl and Johnson repeated the Stewart-Kantrud survey using the same sample units and methods. Our objectives were to (1) examine changes in breeding bird populations in North Dakota; (2) compare patterns in breeding bird population changes with trends from the BBS; and (3) assess the likelihood that population changes may be influenced by changes in land use in North Dakota.

Data collection methodology: For complete details please see http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/birdpop/study.htm

Reference: Igl, Lawrence D. and Douglas H. Johnson. 1997. Changes in breeding bird populations in North Dakota:  1967 to 1992-93. The Auk 114(1):74-92.

Cass County, ND

First Atlas: unknown
Second Atlas: n/a
Project Web site: n/a

Contact:

  • Gary Nielsen

OHIO

First Atlas: 1982-1987
Second Atlas: 2006-2011
Sponsoring Organisations: The Ohio State University, School of Environment and Natural Resources; the Ohio Department of Natural Resources-Division of Wildlife; and the Ohio Ornithological Society, who have donated hosting for the Atlas website.
Project Web site: http://www.ohiobirds.org/obba2/index.php

Contact:

  • Paul Rodewald and Matthew Shumar (OSU)
    School of Environment and Natural Resources
    The Ohio State University
    210 Kottman Hall
    2021 Coffey Road
    Columbus, OH 43210

Summary of goals:

  • Document the current distribution of breeding birds in Ohio by surveying all 4437 atlas blocks in the state;
  • Assess changes in breeding distributions since the first Ohio Breeding Bird Atlas (1982-1987);
  • Provide new measures of abundance of breeding birds in Ohio;
  • Identify important habitats and breeding locations that support high diversity or species of concern;
  • Collect distributional and abundance data for species that are difficult to survey, such as owls, nightjars, and various wetland birds;
  • Collect new and more detailed information on the status of Ohio's rare, threatened, and endangered birds.

Abundance data collected:  Yes

Summary of abundance data collection methodology:  Abundance data will be collected in half of Atlas blocks (n=2,200) by a hired field crew (approx. 5-8 individuals) annually from 2007-2011.  The survey methods allow use of removal models to account for species-specific detection probabilities and potential differences between individual field observers (Farnsworth et al. 2002).

Available Reference:

  • Peterjohn, B. G. and D. L. Rice. 1991. The Ohio breeding bird atlas. Columbus: Ohio Dept. of Nat. Res.
  • Farnsworth, G.L., K.H. Pollock, J.D. Nichols, T.R. Simmons, J.E. Hines, and J.R. Sauer. 2002. A removal model for estimating detection probabilities from point-count surveys. Auk 119: 414-425.

OKLAHOMA

First Atlas: 1997-2001; 2003-2008 (winter atlas)
Second Atlas: n/a
Sponsoring Organisations: The Sutton Avian Research Center and the University of Oklahoma's Biological Survey.
Project Web site: http://www.suttoncenter.org/obra.html; http://www.suttoncenter.org/WBA.html

Contact:

  • Dan Reinking
    George M. Sutton Avian Research Center, P.O. Box 2007,
    Bartlesville, OK 74005-2007
    (918) 336-7778

Summary of goals:

  • To gather data on the breeding distributions of birds in our state;
  • The results will be published as an atlas

Abundance data collected: Yes

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: Data collection forms provided to each atlasser contains a column (AB) for the abundance code for each species. Filling out this column is optional. The three codes represent large categories:
A—Rare (Only one or two birds seen within the defined block)
B—Uncommon (3 to 30 birds seen)
C—Common (More than 30 birds seen)

Available Reference: Reinking, D.L. (Ed.). 2004. Oklahoma Breeding Bird Atlas.  Norman: Univ. of Oklahoma Press.

OREGON

First Atlas: 1995-1999
Second Atlas: n/a
Sponsoring Organisations: Audubon Society of Portland; National Fish & Wildlife Foundation; Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife—Wildlife Diversity Program; Oregon Field Ornithologists; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; The Wildlife Society—Oregon Chapter; Ralph L. Smith Foundation; U.S. Bureau of Land Management; U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; Audubon Society of Corvallis; Grande Ronde Bird Club; Rogue Valley Audubon Society; Salem Audubon Society; and Siskiyou Audubon Society.
Project Web site: http://thebirdguide.com/atlas/atlas.htm

Contact:

  • Paul Adamus, Project Coordinator
    6028 NW Burgundy Dr.
    Corvallis, OR 97330
  • Kit Larsen
    2162 Kincaid
    Eugene, OR 97405

Summary of goals:

  • To create a baseline for bird distribution in Oregon.

Abundance data collected: No.

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: Not applicable.

Available Reference: Adamus, P. R., K. Larsen, G. Gillson, C. R. Miller.  2001. Oregon Breeding Bird Atlas. Eugene: Oregon Field Ornithologists.

Lane County, OR

First Atlas: 1983-1987
Second Atlas: n/a
Project Web site: n/a

Contact:

  • Lane County Breeding Bird Atlas,
    P.O. Box 3082,
    Eugene, OR 97403
    (503) 686-4394

PENNSYLVANIA

First Atlas: 1983-1989
Second Atlas: 2004-2008
Sponsoring Organisations: Carnegie Museum of Natural History and The Pennsylvania Game Commission. Principal funding: U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service State Wildlife Grants Program. Additional funding: Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; Wild Resource Conservation Program; Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry; Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks; The Pennsylvania State University; Penn State Cooperative Wetlands Center; Penn State Institutes of the Environment; Penn State School of Forest Resources; Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology; Pennsylvania Audubon; and The National Park Service.
Project Web site: http://www.carnegiemnh.org/atlas/index.htm

Contact:

  • Bob Mulvihill & Mike Lanzone
    Field Ornithology Projects Coordinator
    Carnegie Museum of Natural History
    Powdermill Avian Research Center
    Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1847 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677
    Phone: (724) 593-6022 Fax: (724) 593-6023

Summary of goals:

  • To determine the status of breeding bird distribution in the state;
  • To increase awareness among birders and the public towards birds and their habitats;
  • To use technologies, like GPS and GIS, to help greatly improve our knowledge of the distributions of birds in relation to habitats in Pennsylvania.

Abundance data collected: Yes

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: See pp 26 of methods PDF. minroutes used is the general gist, protocol detailed on p 32 of PDF. (can be found here: http://www.carnegiemnh.org/atlas/media/2ndPBBA_SamplingDesign_report.pdf).

Available Reference: Brauning, D.W. (Ed.). 1992. Atlas of breeding birds in Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh: Univ. of Pittsburgh Press.

RHODE ISLAND

First Atlas: 1982-1987
Second Atlas: n/a
Project Web site: n/a

Contact:

  • Rick Enser
    Coordinator, Rhode Island Natural Heritage Program
    RIDEM Division of Planning and Development
    235 Promenade Street
    Providence, RI 02908
    Phone: (401) 222-2776 x4308 Fax: (401) 222-2069

Available Reference: Enser, R.W. 1992. The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Rhode Island. R. I. Dept of Environmental Management.

SOUTH CAROLINA


First Atlas: 1988-1995
Second Atlas: n/a
Project Web site: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/bbatlas/bba.html

Contact:

Available Reference: Cely, J.E. 2003. The South Carolina breeding bird atlas, 1988-1995. Columbia: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

SOUTH DAKOTA

First Atlas: 1988-1993
Second Atlas: 2008 - 2011
Sponsoring Organisations: The South Dakota Ornithologists' Union and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.
Project Web site (for first atlas): http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/sdatlas/sdatlas.htm#contents
Project Web site (for second atlas):
http://www.rmbo.org/SDBBA2

Contact:

  • Nancy Drilling
    Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory
    230 Cherry St., Suite 150
    Fort Collins, CO 80521
    Tel: 970-482-1707 ext. 22
    Fax: 970-472-9031

Summary of goals:

  • Document current distribution of all breeding bird species, including under-surveyed species such as owls and secretive marsh birds.
  • Assess changes in distributions of breeding birds since the first SD BBA.
  • Identify habitat associations for all breeding species.
  • Produce a report and interactive web site with species distribution maps and analyses.

Abundance data collected: Yes

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: Observers were asked to provide an abundance estimate when in a “random block”.

Available Reference: Peterson, R.A. 1995. South Dakota Breeding Bird Atlas. Aberdeen: South Dakota Ornithologists' Union.

TENNESSEE

First Atlas: 1986-1991
Second Atlas: n/a
Sponsoring Organisations: The Tennessee Ornithological Society; the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency; Tennessee Department of Conservation; Tennessee Valley Authority; and U.S. Forest Service.
Project Web site: http://www.tnbirds.org/society/tnatlas.html

Contact:

Summary of goals:

  • To provide timely, detailed state-wide breeding bird distribution and abundance information necessary for natural resource planning and biogeographic studies.

Abundance data collected: Yes

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: The abundance data was collected along a Breeding Bird Survey-style miniroute that was 15 stops long with stops spaced 0.5 miles/0.8 km apart.  At each stop, the observer recorded all species seen or heard during a 3-minute period.  To make the count a little less intimidating for those without BBS experience, observers did not record the number of individuals of each species at each stop.  The index of abundance was then expressed as the number of stops out of 15 at which the species was observed.  Observers were instructed to begin the route in the southeast corner of the block and move towards the northwest corner, and then turn south or east until 15 stops were done.  Observers had the flexibility to modify this route layout scheme where lack of roads or heavy traffic was a problem.  Routes in blocks with few or no roads were censused in whole or in part on hiking trails or, less often, by boat.  Routes were started at sunrise.

Available Reference: Nicholson, C.P. 1997. Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Tennessee. Knoxville: Univ. of Tennessee Press.

TEXAS

First Atlas: 1987-1992
Second Atlas: n/a
Sponsoring Organisations: Texas A&M University, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences; local Audubon Societies; local conservation groups; and many individuals.
Project Web site: http://txtbba.tamu.edu/

Contact:

  • Keith A. Arnold
    Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences
    Texas A&M University, 2258
    College Station TX 77843-2258
    Phone: (979) 845-5783 Fax: (979) 862-7750

Summary of goals: unknown

Abundance data collected: No

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: Not applicable.

Available Reference: Arnold, K. A. and K.L.P. Benson. 2001. The Texas Breeding Bird Atlas. College Station and Corpus Christie: Texas A&M Univ. System. http://txtbba.tamu.edu/ (date accessed)

UTAH

First Atlas: planning
Second Atlas: n/a
Sponsoring Organisation: None, all out of pocket of project coordinator, Robin Tuck.
Project Web site: http://www.utahbba.com/

Contact:

Summary of goals:

  • To sample the state adequately to find the present state of the birds breeding in all parts of the state, not just at high-visibility places;
  • Author an atlas worthy of the state.

Abundance data collected: Yes

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: Observers are asked to count the number of birds of the same species at each survey point. This is then called “relative abundance”.

VERMONT

First Atlas: 1976-1981
Second Atlas: 2003-2007
Sponsoring Organisations:  The Vermont Center for Ecostudies, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science. Financial support provided in part by the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife. Cooperating organizations: Audubon Vermont; the School of Natural Resources at the University of Vermont; the National Wildlife Federation; local Audubon chapters; and the Vermont Leadership Center.
 

Project Web site:
http://www.vtecostudies.org/vbba/

Contact:

  • Rosalind Renfrew,
    Vermont Center for Ecostudies
    PO Box 420
    Norwich, VT 05055
    (802) 649-1431 ext.5

Summary of goals:

  • To survey the same lands in Vermont that were surveyed 25 years ago in order to detect changes in the distribution of species;
  • Repeat coverage of the first atlas with fieldwork between 2003 and 2007;
    • Gather distribution and abundance data for every species breeding in Vermont;
  • Identify rare species and important breeding areas for birds;
  • Enhance public awareness of birds through presentations, workshops, and field trips focused on avian identification, ecology, and conservation;
  • Expand the existing network of citizen scientists in Vermont by encouraging participation in an important and popular conservation project.

Abundance data collected: No

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: N/A

Available Reference: Laughlin, S.B., and D.P. Kibbe. 1985. The atlas of breeding birds of Vermont. Woodstock: Vermont Inst. of Nat. Science.

VIRGINIA

First Atlas: 1984-1989
Second Atlas: n/a
Sponsoring Organisations: The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries; the Virginia Society of Ornithologists; Bird clubs of the Virginia Society of Ornithology; and chapters of the National Audubon Society..
Project Web site: http://mercury.ornl.gov/metadata/nbii/html/vdgif/va_dgif_d_bbatlas.html

Contact:


  • USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
    Smithsonian Institution
    PO Box 37012
    National Museum of Natural History, Room 378, MRC 111
    Washington, DC 20013-70122
    (202) 633-30784

Summary of goals:

  • To determine what species were actually breeding in Virginia.

Abundance data collected: No. Not officially, but some anecdotal information was received on the summary sheets or by phone.

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: Not applicable.

Note - All Virginia information asked not to be made public. Ask for further details.

Available Reference: Trollinger, J.B. and K.K. Reay. 2001. Breeding Bird Atlas of Virginia. Richmond: Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Virginia Society of Ornithology.

WASHINGTON

First Atlas: 1987-1996
Second Atlas: n/a
Sponsoring Organisations: The Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, mainly. The Seattle Audubon Society provided a huge amount of volunteer labor and published the bird atlas.
Project Web site: n/a

Contact:

Summary of goals: The BBA was a smaller part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project.  The goals of Gap were to establish conservation priorities for the state.  To achieve that goal, we needed to model distributions of all breeding terrestrial vertebrates in the state, hence our involvement in the BBA, which had actually started before Gap but had languished until Gap provided one of our personnel (Mike Smith) to help keep the project going.

Abundance data collected: No

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: Not applicable

Available Reference: Smith, M.R., P.W. Mattocks, Jr., and K.M. Cassidy. 1997. Breeding Birds of Washington State. Volume 4 in Washington State Gap Analysis Final Report (K. M. Cassidy, C. E. Grue, M. R. Smith, and K. M. Dvornich, Eds). Seattle: Seattle Audubon Society Publications in Zoology No.1.

WEST VIRGINIA

First Atlas: 1984-1989
Second Atlas: n/a
Sponsoring Organisations: The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources Nongame Wildlife Program (now called Wildlife Diversity Program).
Project Web site: n/a

Contact:

  • Jay Buckelew
    Bethany College
    110A Kirkpatrick
    Bethany, WV 26032
    (304) 829-7629

Summary of goals:

  • To inventory and plot the distribution of the breeding bird species of the state;
  • To produce baseline data for future distribution studies;
  • To identify locations in which rare species breed;
  • To entertain and educate the 300+ participants in the study.

Abundance data collected: No

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: Not applicable.

Available Reference: Buckelew, A.R., Jr. and G.A. Hall. 1994. The West Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas. Pittsburgh: Univ. of Pittsburgh Press.

WISCONSIN

First Atlas: 1995-2000
Second Atlas: n/a
Sponsoring Organisations: Wisconsin Society for Ornithology. Financial contributors:  Bradley Foundation; Bradley Fund for the Environment; Consolidated Papers Foundation; Donald Foundation; Environmental Systems Research Institute; Kaytee Avian Foundation; Madison Community Foundation; National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; Society of Tympanuchus Cupido Pinnatus; U.S. Bureau of Land Management; U.S. Forest Service; University of Wisconsin - Green Bay; Weyenberg Charitable Foundation; Windway Foundation; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Wisconsin Electric Power Company; Wisconsin Nature Conservancy; and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee County.
Project Web site: http://www.uwgb.edu/birds/wbba/

Contact:

Summary of goals:

  • To provide a permanent record of the bird species breeding in the state;
  • To provide baseline data for monitoring future changes in bird populations;
  • To assess habitat needs of breeding species and document species diversity;
  • To document abundance and distribution of rare and endangered species;
  • To provide comparisons with historical studies;
  • To complement existing or on-going avian monitoring programs in Wisconsin and in nearby states;
  • To assist international efforts to preserve Neotropical migratory birds;
  • To help in-land use planning by local and state governments;
  • To assist industry in preparing environmental impact assessments;
  • To bring together birders in an exciting new cooperative venture.

Abundance data collected: Yes

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: Abundance was desirable (although optional) for atlassers to record. In order for atlassers to estimate the total number of breeding pairs in a given block, they were to determine how much suitable breeding habitat was in the block for a given species and extrapolate from the number of breeding pairs in the surveyed portions of the block. An abundance code was not necessary for observations with a breeding code of Observed (O).

Abundance codes represent the number of estimated breeding pairs in a surveyed block:
   1: 1 breeding pair
   2: 2-10 breeding pairs
   3: 11-100 breeding pairs
   4: 101-1,000 breeding pairs
   5: more than 1,000 pairs

Available Reference: Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas. 2002. Wisconsin Society for Ornithology. <http://www.uwgb.edu/birds/wbba/index.htm.>

WYOMING

First Atlas: on-going
Second Atlas: n/a
Project Web site: n/a

Contact:

  • Bob Oakleaf
    Nongame Coordinator, Wyoming Game & Fish Dept
    260 Buena Vista,
    Lander, WY 82520
    (307) 332-2688

Available Reference: Oakleaf, B., B. Luce, S. Ritter and A. Cerovski. (Eds.). 1992. Wyoming bird and mammal atlas. Lander: Wyoming Game and Fish Dept., Game Division, Biological Services. [Reprinted every five years; updates every year]

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CANADA

ALBERTA

First Atlas: 1987-1992
Second Atlas: 2000-2005
Sponsoring Organisations: Federation of Alberta Naturalists; Ainsworth; Alberta Conservation Association; Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation; Government of Alberta-Sustainable Resource Development; Charles Ivey Foundation; George Cedric Metcalf Charitable Foundation; North American Waterfowl Management Plan; Weldwood; Weyerhaeuser; Sundance Forest Industries Ltd; Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc.; and Slave Lake Pulp.
Project Web site: http://fanweb.ca/projects-and-programs/the-alberta-bird-atlas-project-1

Contact:

  • Philip Penner (Project Coordinator)
    Conservation Director
    Federation of Alberta Naturalists
    3rd Floor, Percy Page Centre
    11759 - Groat Road
    Edmonton, Alberta T5M 3K6
    Ph:  (780) 427-8124    Fax: (780) 422-2663
    www.fanweb.ca

 

Summary of project goals:

  • To involve the community in a conservation project while increasing public awareness and understanding of Alberta s natural history;
  • To gain current data on the distribution and relative abundance of Alberta s breeding bird species;
  • To conduct data analysis to determine recent changes and patterns in the distribution and abundance of breeding birds species in Alberta;
  • To provide baseline data for research, wildlife management plans, and environmental impact assessments.

Collection of abundance data: Yes

Data Analysis:

The species accounts in the Bird Atlas publication consists mainly of maps, graphs and tables generated by the analyses with accompanying explanatory text of the results. The following is a summary of the data analysis, for more details on the analysis of Bird Atlas data please refer to the methods section of The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Alberta: A Second Look.

Observed distribution maps from both Atlas 1 and Atlas 2 are provided. This enables the reader to make direct comparisons and reference these against the breeding range map provided for each species. The distribution maps show both coverage and breeding evidence to assist readers in evaluating whether the observed changes were a function of actual change or simply changes in coverage.

Monthly reporting rate, for both observations and probable and confirmed breeding, is shown in a vertical bar chart. Under the x-axis of this chart, the expected breeding period is displayed as a horizontal orange bar. Natural Region reporting rate, for both observations and probable and confirmed breeding, is shown in a horizontal bar chart. The data set used to create this chart was limited to the expected breeding period of this species to reflect its breeding habitat preference. The Canadian Shield is excluded from this chart due to insufficient data.

Spatial reporting rate, with clusters of squares comprised of the same natural subregion, is used to display locations where the bird was detected most often. As with the Natural Regions chart, the data set used to generate this map is restricted to expected breeding period for each species. Although not true in all cases, it can often be assumed that areas where a bird was detected most often are areas of highest relative abundance.

The text for each species account is designed to focus on what changes, if any, were detected, the certainty of those changes, and their likely causes. In this section, natural history information, such as breeding habitat requirements, are included where pertinent to understanding the detected changes. Where available, BBS results are cited as a source of corroboration or contrast to detected changes in the Atlas.

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: Point counts will be used as the main reference to abundance. It is not obligatory to conduct point counts, but they are encouraged. Also, information gathered from records of counted birds in each square will be used, for example, for deriving indices of relative abundance of species across the province. Atlassers are asked to record the maximum number of individuals recorded in each square, each 16 times the square is surveyed. Abundance data should be recorded only for the number of individuals observed, and should not be extrapolated estimates of the total breeding population for the square. If they so desire, atlassers can fill out separate checklists for each area visited in the survey square on a given day, and record the number of individuals seen in that area.

Available Reference: Federation of Alberta Naturalists. 2007. The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Alberta: A Second Look. Canada: Federation of Alberta Naturalists.

Sememchuk, Glen P. 1992. The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Alberta.
Edmonton: Federation of Alberta Naturalists.
 

BRITISH COLUMBIA

First Atlas: 2008-2012

Partnering Organisations: Bird Studies Canada; Environment Canada - Canadian Wildlife Service; British Columbia Ministry of Environment; BC Nature; BC Field Ornithologists; Louisiana Pacific; Biodiversity Centre for Wildlife Studies; Pacific Wildlife Foundation.

Project Web site: http://www.birdatlas.bc.ca/

Contact:

  • Rob Butler, Atlas Coordinator;
  • Christopher Di Corrado, Assistant Coordinator
    British Columbia Breeding Bird Atlas
    Bird Studies Canada - Études d’Oiseaux Canada
    5421 Robertson Road, RR1
    Delta, B.C. V4K 3N2
    CANADA
    1-877-592-8527

Summary of project goals:

  • To establish a record of the distribution and relative abundance of breeding birds throughout British Columbia;
  • To determine priority conservation areas for breeding birds and value of certain areas to maintain biodiversity;
  • To record the distributions and status of rare species;
  • To unite birders of British Columbia in an important bird conservation project.

Collection of abundance data: Yes

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: Point counts are used for assessing abundance. It is an optional component for the atlasser. Each square is given up to 40 randomly located points on roadsides from which the first 15 suitable points are selected. Point counts are spaced at 500m intervals. However, in some cases, stations may be inaccessible locations or unsuited (e.g. at a noisy location) to point counts. These are eliminated from consideration and successive appropriate locations are surveyed. The extra stations on the maps are provided to ensure there are enough to replace unsuitable stations, and because some Atlassers may wish to do more than the minimum number. Off-road point counts are encouraged and are to be done in habitats that are not covered by road access. The square information sheets show how many off-road points to put in each habitat type. The atlasser may choose the location of the points within each habitat type. All points are to be at least 300m apart and 100m from an adjacent habitat type.

Breeding Evidence data collection forms have a special column for recording a rough estimate of the number of pairs from field observation and amount of suitable habitat. These estimates are coded as follows, where the index number is the code used on the data collection form:

Index Abundance
0 0
1 1
2 2-10
3 11-100
4 101-1,000
5 1,001-10,000

These estimates are only provided once a reasonable assessment of the square has been achieved and are not required every year for all species. If multiple estimates among years in the same square are provided, only the most recent estimate will be used.

Available References:

The four volumes of The Birds of British Columbia provide unprecedented coverage of this region's birds, presenting a wealth of information on the ornithological history, habitat, breeding habits, migratory movements, seasonality, and distribution patterns of each of the 472 species of birds found in British Columbia.

Campbell, W.R., N.K. Dawe, I. McTaggart-Cowan, J.M. Cooper, G.W. Kaiser, M.C.E. McNall. 1992. Birds of British Columbia, Volume 1: Nonpasserines - Introduction, Loons through Waterfowl. Victoria: Royal Columbia Museum.
Campbell, W.R., N.K. Dawe, I. McTaggart-Cowan, J.M. Cooper, G.W. Kaiser, M.C.E. McNall. 1992. Birds of British Columbia, Volume 2: Nonpasserines - Diurnal Birds of Prey through Woodpeckers. Victoria: Royal Columbia Museum.
Campbell, W.R., G.E.J. Smith, M.C.E. McNall, G.W. Kaiser, J.M. Cooper, I. McTaggart-Cowan, N.K. Dawe.1997. Birds of British Columbia, Volume 3: Passerines - Flycatchers through Vireos. Vancouver: UBC Press.
Campbell, W.R., N.K. Dawe, I. McTaggart-Cowan, J.M. Cooper, G.W. Kaiser, M.C.E. McNall. 2001. Birds of British Columbia, Volume 4: Wood Warblers through Old World Sparrows. Vancouver: UBC Press.

MANITOBA

Project type: Atlas-type publication

Project summary: The list of the birds of Manitoba details all 379 species from 46 taxonomic families. Birds are listed according to families by their common names and species names. Included for each species is its conservation status rank for the province of Manitoba. These ranks are meant to assist authorities in the field in setting conservation priorities for the birds of Manitoba.

Species accounts have been developed for certain species and by selecting a bird's account you may view its key identification characteristics, distribution and breeding biology. Most of the species accounts are complete with a photograph of the bird as well as a map outlining its Manitoba and North American range. For those species which have been documented to breed within Manitoba, regions where nesting activity has been recorded are indicated on the accompanying map. The Manitoba Museum holds specimens of most of the species found within the province, and information about these specimens is also provided in the accounts. The conservation status rank for the province of Manitoba is again listed in each account.

All common, family and species names used are in accordance with the American Ornithologists' Union Check-list of North American Birds, 6th edition, and its supplements numbered 35 through 40. The conservation status ranks are provided courtesy of the Manitoba Conservation Data Centre MS Report 96-05, November 1996.

Project Web site: http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/ Birds/MMMN/English/index.html

Available Reference: Manitoba Avian Research Committee. 2003. The birds of Manitoba. Manitoba Naturalists Society.

MARITIME PROVINCES (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island)

First Atlas: 1986-1990
Second Atlas: 2006-2010
Sponsoring Organisations: Bird Studies Canada; Environment Canada; Government of Prince Edward Island; Government of New Brunswick; Government of Nova Scotia; New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund; Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture and Heritage; NBWTF/FFFNB; Atlantic Industries Limited;  and Jaques Whitford.

Project Web site: http://www.mba-aom.ca/

Contact:

  • Becky Stewart, Atlas Coordinator; Ivy Austin, Assistant Coordinator
    Bird Atlas
    Bird Studies Canada
    17 Waterfowl Lane
    Sackville, NB E4L 4N1
    1-866-5ATLAS5

Summary of project goals:

  • To establish a record of the distribution of breeding birds throughout the Maritimes;
  • To determine priority conservation areas for breeding birds;
  • To record the distributions of rare species;
  • To determine habitat requirements of breeding birds;
  • To unite birders of the Maritimes in an important bird conservation project.

Collection of abundance data: Yes

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: Data collection forms have a special column for recording a rough estimate of the number of individuals from field observation and amount of suitable habitat. These estimates are coded as follows, where the index number is the code used on the data collection form:

Index Abundance
0 0
1 1
2 2-10
3 11-100
4 101-1,000
5 1,001-10,000

These estimates are only provided once a reasonable assessment of the square has been achieved and are not required every year for all species. If multiple estimates among years in the same square are provided, only the most recent estimate will be used.

Point counts will also be used for estimating abundance. It is an optional component for the atlasser. Each square is given up to 40 randomly located points on roadsides from which the first 15 suitable points are selected. However, in some cases, stations may be on busy roads or in other locations unsuited to point counts. These are eliminated from consideration and locations with higher numbers are used instead. The extra stations on the maps are provided to ensure there are enough to replace unsuitable stations, and because some Atlassers may wish to do more than the minimum number. Off-road point counts are encouraged and are to be done in 7 target habitats. The square information sheets show how many off road points to put in each habitat type. The atlasser may choose the location of the points within each habitat type. All points are to be at least 300 m apart and 100 m from an adjacent habitat type. 

Available Reference: Erskine, Anthony J. 1992. Atlas of the Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces. Halifax: Nova Scotia Museum.

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES AND NUNAVUT

Project Type: Survey checklist

Project Web site: http://www.mb.ec.gc.ca/nature/migratorybirds/nwtbcs/index.en.html

Contact:

  • Craig Machtans, CWS Yellowknife
    Canadian Wildlife Service
    Suite 301, 5204-50th Avenue
    Yellowknife, NT X1A 1E2
    Phone: (867) 669-4771 Fax: (867) 873-8185

Project summary: It was initiated to collect much needed information on the distribution, abundance and breeding status of birds in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. It was initiated by Environment Canada's Canadian Wildlife Service in 1995 as a response to needs identified in the Canadian Landbirds Monitoring Strategy. The NWT-Nunavut Bird Checklist Survey is part of a national effort to collect valuable scientific data on the geographic distribution, abundance and breeding status of bird species. These data can be used for conservation purposes. The Survey is administered by the Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment Canada, in cooperation with Parks Canada and the Governments of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Data collection methodology: Complete the bird list portion by recording the number of birds of each species observed and an appropriate breeding code for a 24 hour or shorter period in a 10x10 km or smaller area. Please be sure to answer the questions on the next page. Record the number (or best estimate) of each species observed in the abundance column (#). In the “BR” column, record the most appropriate breeding evidence code from the list on the back page. If you observe species that are not on the list, record them in the blank space(s) provided at the end of the regular species list and describe your observations fully under “Comments”.

ONTARIO

First Atlas: 1981-1995
Second Atlas: 2001-2005
Sponsoring Organisations: Bird Studies Canada, Environment Canada, Ontario Field Ornithologists, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Ontario Nature.
Project Web site: http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/atlasmain.html

Contact:

Summary of goals:

  • To provide an up-to-date assessment of the distribution, relative to abundance and status of the birds that breed in the province;
  • Repeat the coverage of the first atlas and provide detailed maps of each species' current distribution for comparison to the first atlas;
  • Collect abundance data to allow contour mapping of the relative abundance of each species, and provide a baseline for comparison to future atlases;
  • Record specific information on the location of breeding sites of rare species;
  • Produce a published book and database available for research and conservation purposes;
  • Get people out into the field where they can enjoy themselves birding and contribute to an important conservation project.

Abundance data collected: Yes

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: The project aimed to get 25, 5 minute, point counts done in each square. (In the north, the target minimum is 25 point counts in one 10-km square plus a further 25 point counts elsewhere in the 100-km block). In the south, most of the 25 count stations will be along roads, but some will be off-road. Each atlas map shows 50 randomly located points on roadsides in your square, from which you choose the lowest numbered stations up to the required number. In some cases, points may be on busy roads or in other locations unsuited to point counts. These should be eliminated from consideration and locations added with higher numbers to make up the total.

Most off-road counts are to be done in forest interior habitat, i.e., at least 100m from the edge of the woodland. In a few squares with large amounts of other habitat (e.g. marsh or swamp), atlassers may be required to do a small number of off-road point counts in those other habitats. Within each specified habitat, atlassers choose the location of the off-road point counts. Each point is to be at least 300 m apart. In squares with little or no road access, information will be provided on the proportion of the square (and, in the north, the 100-km block) made up by each major habitat (e.g. 75% forest, 15% bog, 10% coastal marsh). Birds should be recorded as being less than 100m or more than 100m from the point count station.

Available Reference: Cadman, M.D., P.F.J. Eagles, and F.M. Helleiner. 1987. Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario. Waterloo: Univ. Waterloo Press.
Cadman, M.D., D.A. Sutherland, G.G. Beck, D. Lepage, and A.R. Couturier, eds. Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario, 2001-2005. Bird Studies Canada, Environment Canada, Ontario Field Ornithologists, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Ontario Nature, Toronto, xxii + 706pp.

QUEBEC

First Atlas: 1984-1989
Second Atlas: planning
Sponsoring Organisations: Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment Canada- Québec Region; the Association Québécoise des Groupes d'Ornithologues; the Province of Québec Society for the Protection of Birds; Peter Landry of Nature Society; Ministère de l'Environnement et de la faune du Québec; Fondation de la faune du Québec; le Mouvement des caisses Desjardins; Hydro-Québec; Alcan; and all the bird clubs of the Québec Province.
Project Web site: www.quebecoiseaux.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=192&Itemid=238

Contact:

  • Jean Gauthier & Yves Aubry
    Canadian Wildlife Service, Quebec Region
  • Jacques Larivée
    Association Québécoise des Groupe d'Ornithologues
    4545, av. Pierre-De Coubertin
    C.P. 1000, succ. M
    Montréal PQ H1V 3R2
    (514) 252-3190

Summary of goals:

  • To establish a record of the distribution of breeding birds throughout the province;
  • To determine priority conservation areas for breeding birds;
  • To record the distributions of rare species;
  • To determine habitat requirements of breeding birds;
  • Numerous scientific references, which were not available in French at that time, on each species in order to help CWS achieve, in cooperation with NGO's, a better conservation of birds in Québec.

Abundance data collected: No

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: Not applicable.

Available References: Cyr, A. et J. Larivée. 1995. Atlas saisonnier des oiseaux du Québec. Sherbrooke: Presses de l'Université de Sherbrooke et Société de loisir ornithologique de l'Estrie.

Gauthier, J. and Y. Aubry (Eds.). 1996. The Breeding Birds of Québec: Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Southern Québec. Montréal: Assoc. québecoise des groupes d'ornithologues, Prov. Of Quebec Soc. For the protection of birds, Can. Wildl. Serv., Environ. Canada, Québec Region.

SASKATCHEWAN

First Atlas: 1970-present
Second Atlas: n/a
Sponsoring Organisations: Currently, the Atlas Project is supported by a number of partners including Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Service, the Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre, Nature Saskatchewan, the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, Saskatchewan Environment, and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation.
Project Web site: http://gisweb1.serm.gov.sk.ca/BirdAtlas/mainscreen.htm

Contact:

Summary of goals: To document and publish information on the distribution of birds in Saskatchewan.

Abundance data collected: Unknown

Summary of abundance data collection methodology: Unknown

Available Reference: Smith, A. R. 1996. Atlas of Saskatchewan birds. Regina: Sask. Nat. Hist. Soc. Spec. Publ. no. 22.

YUKON TERRITORY

Project summary: Birds of the Yukon Territory is the result of a decade-long (1989-1999) project initiated to gather and share what is known about the Yukon's birdlife. Birds of the Yukon Territory shares knowledge from the past 140 years and sets a new baseline from which to develop a better understanding of Yukon birdlife. The authors hope that readers are inspired to keep notes of birds wherever their travels take them in the Yukon, and to actively contribute to the Birds of the Yukon Database by submitting field notes to either:

  • Canadian Wildlife Service
    Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 5B7
    Yukon Bird Club
  • Mile 91782 Alaska Highway
    Box 31054
    Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 5B7

Data collection methodology: Culmination of all known records of birdlife in the Yukon. The authors consulted over 166,000 records in a database created by the Canadian Wildlife Service, with information dating back to 1861.

Available Reference: Sinclair, P.H., W.A. Nixon, C.D. Eckert, and N.L. Hughes. 2003. Birds of the Yukon Territory. Vancouver: UBC Press.

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