Contact: Gabriel Foley, Atlas Coordinator, 202-681-4733 |
mddcbba3@mdbirds.org | @mddcbba3
(Annapolis, Maryland, January 21, 2020) The Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS) is proud to announce the official launch of the Maryland & DC Breeding Bird Atlas 3 (BBA3). This community science project, coordinated by Gabriel Foley, is dependent on the public’s involvement to observe and document breeding birds across the region over the next five years. Data collection began in January 2020 and will run through December 2024.
“MOS has a long history of observing, caring for, and conserving birds in the region,” said Robin Todd, MOS President. “Hosting the atlas is just one way MOS is striving to continue our mission of learning about and protecting the birds we all cherish so much. It will be especially interesting to compare the results of this latest atlas with previous atlases to see what changes have occurred in our area’s breeding birds. Atlasing forces one to bird in otherwise neglected areas and to look more closely at bird behavior. It can be addictive.”
A breeding bird atlas is an effort to understand the populations of birds breeding in a specific region. The Maryland and DC Atlas is now on its third cycle of data collection, reflecting the changes that have occurred in local breeding bird populations, bird habitats, and the status of endangered bird species in the region. These data will inform land-use planning, public and conservation land management, the status of species at risk, and academic research. As a community science effort, the Atlas also engages people in conservation, introduces the public to birds and to nature, and increases participants’ knowledge and awareness of bird behavior and distribution.
Support for BBA3 is also being provided by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources through federal funds allocated to state wildlife agencies. “Maryland DNR is committed to the conservation of our native birds and we are pleased to provide support for BBA3. The data that will be collected through this project are critical to improving the conservation of birds and their habitats,” said Gwen Brewer, Science Program Manager, Maryland DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service.
BBA3 uses the popular birdwatching data submission platform, eBird. In doing so, the Atlas is available and accessible to anyone who wants to get involved. There is no fee to participate (though donations to support the project are welcome) or other eligibility requirement to be an atlaser. As long as someone is in the region and follows the procedural guidelines, anyone can contribute. There is a complete handbook as well as additional information and resources on the website (ebird.org/atlasmddc).
“There are a lot of exciting things ahead, whether that’s discoveries, milestones, or just friendly bird-walk events. I hope everyone gets involved however they are able and follows along for updates,” said Gabriel Foley, BBA3 Coordinator.
Bald Eagle was the first Confirmed breeding species for BBA3. An active nest was discovered and reported by an atlaser in Maryland.
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Maryland & DC Breeding Bird Atlas 3 is a community science project documenting the distribution, abundance, and timing of the birds breeding in Maryland and DC. The Atlas records long-term changes occurring in local bird populations, makes those data accessible to decision makers and researchers, and inspires an appreciation for nature with the public. Find the Atlas on ebird.org/atlasmddc/, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@mddcbba3).