While most other state bird atlases focus solely on breeding birds, the NC Bird Atlas is also interested in the distribution and abundance of wintering species. There are two distinct winter Atlasing time periods – early winter (Nov 1 – Dec 31) and late winter (Jan 1 – Feb 28). The protocols for Atlasing in the winter are like those for the breeding season: survey all accessible habitats within a priority block, with separate visits. At least two separate visits should be made to the block and its habitats, one each in both early and late winter. Below you can find winter Atlas guidelines used for completing a block.
Great Horned Owls start setting up territories in early winter and breed earlier than other owls. During late winter, a few other species begin exhibiting breeding behaviors, including Barred Owls, Eastern Screech Owls, and Bald Eagles. Additionally, depending on local food availability, Mourning Doves, American Crows, and Red Crossbills can nest throughout the year. Because there are only a handful of species that can be coded during this time of year, winter is a great time to get familiar with Atlasing protocols such as staying in priority blocks and surveying all accessible habitats!
There are almost 100 bird species that are only found in North Carolina during the winter. This is the only time we can observe waterfowl like Green-winged Teal or Northern Pintail, as well as songbirds like Fox Sparrows or Ruby Crowned Kinglets. Our winter residents also include Species of Greatest Conservation Need such as Rusty Blackbirds, Saltmarsh Sparrows, and Hermit Thrushes. Information on a species’ use of wintering habitat is just as crucial as data about their breeding range when making decisions to help protect their populations.
Specific habitats that might contain a variety of foraging songbirds include shrubby areas that will provide ample cover, as well as areas with winter-fruiting plants such as winterberry holly. In fallow fields, you might see a flock of American Pipits swirling around or a Northern Harrier on the hunt gliding. Finally, do not forget to check out waterbodies for wintering waterfowl!
We hope you have the chance to get out and appreciate both the resident and wintering species throughout the state!
Wintering Season Block Guidelines
- Minimum of 55 species observed *
- Minimum 5 hours of total Atlasing effort **
- Minimum of 2 visits spread out across early (Nov-Dec) and late (Jan-Feb) winter **
- Checklists in all (accessible) habitat types with particular focus on the following:
- Waterbodies: Inland lakes and ponds, and coastal shorelines, estuaries, and sounds
- High tide roosts
- Early successional and edge habitats
- One nocturnal checklist preferred ***
* Number of species will vary significantly across blocks
** Visits and hours can occur over more than one year, some species breed during winter (see coding guidelines)
*** Nocturnal checklists begin 20 minutes after sunset, 40 minutes before sunrise