The individuals behind the atlas effort are just as interesting as the birds we’re observing. Every atlaser brings a distinct set of talents to the project, and there is no single “type” of person who gets involved. This spotlight features atlaser Lisa Scheppke. Lisa was also a top 10 finalist for 2020 in the category of highest number of species confirmed with a whopping 113 species!
Name:
Lisa Scheppke
Hometown or county:
Queens
How you started birding:
I became interested in birds after spotting my first Tree Swallow in 2009. Soon after, I attended a nature walk with the American Littoral Society and I started bird watching but I did not become a serious birder until late 2012 when I discovered eBird. My subsequent employment with the Society allows me the opportunity to work outdoors along the coast and to hop on a boat once in a while, which has, in part, helped me to grow my Queens & NY life lists.
Favorite birds:
Black-capped Chickadees, American Oystercatchers (both have a lot of personality)
Motivation to atlas:
Because I think it is important to help create an accurate record of the current distribution of NY breeding birds, especially for conservation purposes.
Favorite atlasing area:
Most rewarding part of atlasing:
Some of the confirms [confirmed breeding records] that I have eBirded were first confirmed by others, including many by Eric Miller, but making a discovery, on my own, that confirms a species that I have never previously confirmed is the most rewarding part of atlasing.
Favorite atlasing discovery:
Finally locating an Orchard Oriole’s nest after I had made several attempts to find it.
Advice for someone “on the fence” about participating:
You won’t know how much fun it is until you try it.