The second annual Big Atlas Weekend was a success with 360 atlasers in NY documenting 190 species and submitting 1501 checklists the weekend of June 24-26! We held several challenges in different categories and randomly selected from eligible checklists to choose winners. Winners received a free course of their choosing from the Cornell Lab’s Bird Academy. Jay was recognized as the Most Valuable Atlaser because he was in the top 10 for the most challenge categories, for his top ranking on the top 100, and for all his amazing breeding behavior photos. Congratulations, Jay!
Name
Jay McGowan
Hometown or county
Ithaca (Tompkins County)
How you started birding
Birding since I was 5 years old (31 years at this point), thanks to my father Kevin.
Favorite birds
Shorebirds, rarities
Motivation to atlas
Exploring new areas to a certain extent, but also just birding in general and paying more attention to breeding evidence along the way.
Favorite atlasing area
Local patches.
Most rewarding part of atlasing
Confirming uncommon or unexpected species.
Favorite atlasing discovery
Spruce Grouse with chicks!
Advice for someone “on the fence” about participating
Start with your local areas and watch your confirmed species and block totals rise, then start venturing farther afield or to less covered areas once you get more interested.