Lorri Howski is a wildlife photographer, and she started atlasing last year after realizing she was already seeing a lot of great observations through her camera lens.
The Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II is a volunteer-driven effort to survey the distribution and abundance of our state’s breeding birds. Since the project started in 2015, our volunteer team has grown to include more than 1,240 Atlasers who have submitted over 60,000 checklists.
Who are these incredible volunteers? It turns out that once you get past the binoculars, our Atlasers are as varied as the bird species they observe. This series turns the spotlight on a few of the many dedicated men and women who have helped the Atlas achieve such tremendous success to date.
This month, meet Lorri Howski of Milwaukee County!
Name:
Lorri Howski
Hometown:
Oak Creek, WI
Age:
54
Number of years birding:
2 years
Other citizen science experience:
I haven’t been involved in any citizen science projects yet. I would love to get involved and volunteer with the Nocturnal Atlasing efforts of WBBA II.
Favorite bird:
My favorite birds are owls.
Motivation to Atlas:
I was more of a wildlife photographer and started photographing birds a few years ago. Then I started recording for the WBBA II this past year. I read some wonderful information regarding the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas and bird populations, and how important it is to have documentation on what kind of birds breed here in Wisconsin, and that’s when I decided to help contribute.
Primary atlasing location:
I atlas all over Wisconsin, but South Milwaukee CW, Hales Corners CE and Greendale CE are my primary location blocks. We have many local parks located along the lake and inland where many species of birds breed.
Most exciting Atlas find:
My most memorable find is happening right now! I am in the process of observing several different pairs of nesting owls. All five sets are at different stages and are presently with their young. I love observing, recording and photographing their behavior and the interaction with each other.
Most rewarding part of Atlasing:
Atlasing has gotten me hooked and out of the house! I enjoy traveling around Wisconsin and exploring new places I haven’t been to before. I love getting outside and learning something new every day about all the different species that visit Wisconsin.
How has participating in the Atlas changed the way you bird?
Atlasing has really driven me to focus on the behavior of the birds. It has me examining birds more in detail instead of just looking at them. It has taught me to be more aware and to take time to stop, listen and watch. It’s nice to know that the information that I provide will help preserve the birds and keep them in their natural environment for years to come.
Advice for someone “on the fence” about participating:
I say just do it! At first I felt I didn’t know enough to do it. But with help from other birders in the field, I have become a much better observer and I’m able to identify more birds each time I go out. There are great resources and people out there to help.