Nancy says: "I was wearing my dad's pants with a rope for a belt because I was visiting and only packed shorts - the mosquitos were eating me alive so I swallowed my pride and donned my Dad's pants! Fashion forward birding attire!" Photo by Mike Reese.
Who are our incredible volunteers? It turns out that once you get past the binoculars, our hundreds of 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 over the past year. This month, meet Nancy Nabak of Brown County!
Name:
Nancy Nabak
Hometown:
Lancaster, WI, the county seat of Grant County in the southwest corner of the state. God’s country – gorgeous!
Number of Years Birdwatching:
5
Favorite Bird:
I’m quite partial to the Eastern Towhee, but I think my favorite is one that I haven’t seen yet.
Past Citizen Science Experience:
I’ve been involved with the Green Bay area Swift Night Out, a group effort to monitor Chimney Swifts at specific roosting sites, for the past 4 years.
Motivation to Atlas:
I was gently nudged to get involved by Noel Cutright prior to his passing and then encouraged and supported by other birding friends, especially Bill Mueller. I used the first Atlas for personal research and learning, so I also saw the value in the project and wanted to contribute in my own way.
Primary Atlasing Location:
I atlased mainly in the De Pere CE block in an area called “Osprey Point,” land preserved and taken care of by the Brown County chapter of the Izaak Walton League. I shared this block with our county coordinator, Erin Gnass-Giese.
In her profile picture, Nancy is looking through her binoculars at this this Blue-headed Vireo.
Most Memorable Atlas Find:
I was lucky enough to witness a family of Woodcocks walking across the road just as I was driving into the area to begin my atlasing. Fortunately, I was able to photograph them for proof.
Most Rewarding Part of Atlasing:
I really appreciated that I was challenging my brain to stay focused and keen while I was in the field. Atlasing really forced me to focus on behavior and to keep asking, “What is this bird doing?” It took me another couple of steps beyond just identifying a species. It also encouraged open communication with my coordinator and other bird experts. I made sure that I reached out when I had questions because I wanted to be really accurate for this project.
Advice for someone interested in Atlasing:
Go for it! I was very hesitant because I felt I wasn’t an “expert,” but those involved with the Atlas assured me that I could do this. Let go of the fear that holds you hesitant and jump in. Your local coordinator is a great resource to help if you need it, and you never have to do what you are uncomfortable with. You will be proud of yourself for the contribution you are making.