Atlasing is easy, and something that you’ve probably already been doing without knowing it! This page has everything you need to atlas with confidence.
The only difference between ‘atlasing’ and observing bird behavior is making sure that your checklists follow block boundaries. To be a part of the New York Breeding Bird Atlas, you only need to follow the three easy steps below. The pages linked below have comprehensive explanations if you have further questions.
1. Follow the ‘Block’ System
The entire state is split up into roughly 3 mile x 3 mile squares. These are Atlas blocks, and all of your atlas lists need to include birds from only a single block.
For the final year of the Atlas, we ask you to focus your efforts on Center East (CE) blocks. Use the Final Season Block Tool to find a map of blocks labeled by priority level.
2. Learn the Codes for Bird Breeding Behaviors
If you watch birds, you already notice bird behavior. With the atlas, you match what you encounter to specific codes (e.g., a singing bird = S; a bird building a nest = NB). Use these codes whenever you see a behavior.
As a general rule, report behaviors you see in the blocks where you see them. If you aren’t sure, be conservative and add notes. Don’t overthink it, just do your best and use common sense.
Learn more about Breeding Behavior
3. Use the NY Breeding Bird Atlas III Portal
To have your sightings count for the atlas, you need to use this specific portal. You should use the portal for all checklists in NY from now through the end of 2024 when you are following block boundaries and actively keeping an eye out for bird breeding behavior (and noting codes for behaviors you find).