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When looking at the NCBA Block Map, it is quite striking to see the difference between priority blocks that appear as “blue” and those that appear as “red.” What do these two colors mean? Simply put, blue blocks are priority blocks that have not been adopted and red blocks are priority blocks that have been adopted. […]
A quick glance at the NC Bird Atlas effort map will reveal a striking pattern. High-population areas have a high amount of birding effort while quite a bit of the rural spaces in between are lacking much-needed birding attention.
The nocturnal habits of owls can make it a challenge to confirm breeding for these mysterious species. The following guide was adapted from the article Atlasing After Dark: An Introduction to Nocturnal Surveys by Ashley Peele, the Coordinator of the recently completed 2nd Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas.
While most other state bird atlases are only focused 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).
As the weather cools down and fall migration gears up, we encourage you to review the data from your atlasing efforts during this lull in bird activity! Not only is it a chance to look back at your accomplishments and reminisce about fun or exciting field encounters, but it also helps the Atlas team with […]
Spring is here, and love is in the air for owls! These wonderful and elusive birds can be detected near sundown and early mornings when they are frequently calling, tending to their owlets, or performing courtship rituals such as duets, head bobbing, or feeding one another. The Great Horned Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, and Barred […]
As March unfolds, with winter’s chill receding and signs of spring emerging throughout North Carolina, atlasers may be hearing the familiar songs of our resident bird species livening the air. After weathering the cold winter months, Carolina Wrens, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Northern Cardinals, Eastern Bluebirds, and other species that stay in the state year-round […]
As we begin the first non-breeding season of the North Carolina Bird Atlas, you might be wondering how to best spend your time Atlasing in these cooler months. Like during the breeding season, you’ll want to visit all the different habitats within a block and spread your visits out throughout the season; we suggest at […]
North Carolina Bird Atlas through the seasons: Winter With the breeding season over for most North Carolina birds, and migration in full swing, our first winter atlasing opportunity is right around the corner. So, you might be wondering, what now?
