This year marks the mid-point of the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II, a critical year for ensuring we’re on track to complete this monumental effort by 2019. Help us get 2017 off to a dynamic start by joining us at one (or more!) of our FREE Atlas Regional Kickoff workshops.
These events are for everyone, whether you’re a newer member of the Atlas team, a seasoned veteran, or just want to learn more about how to join us in 2017. Each workshop will feature concurrent presentations tailored to new and returning atlasers, the opportunity to meet county coordinators and expert birders from your region, and a field trip to a local hotspot.
Regional Kickoff Workshop Locations & Dates
Southwest – March 25, 12:30 p.m.–6 p.m.: Kickapoo Valley Reserve / Vernon County
*optional nocturnal field trip 7–9 p.m.: owls and woodcock, Kickapoo Valley Reserve
Northwest – April 1, 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.: Rice Lake Public Library / Barron County
*optional morning field trip 7–9:30 a.m.: spring waterfowl, Rice Lake
Northeast – April 8, noon–5:30 p.m.: UW-Green Bay / Brown County
*optional nocturnal field trip 6:30–9 p.m.: owls, woodcock and snipe, Southern Door County
Southeast – April 29, 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.: Kenosha Public Library / Kenosha County
*optional nocturnal field trip 6:30–9 p.m.: owls and marshbirds, Racine & Kenosha Counties
Highlights
- Field trips
- Atlas results to date
- Focus areas and goals for 2017
- Basic training for new atlasers
- Advanced training for returning atlasers
- Data-entry instruction
- Tips from your region’s top atlasers
- Chance to meet county coordinators, Atlas planners, and other atlasers from your area
Register today!
The Atlas Regional Kickoff Events are FREE, but registration is required at least two weeks prior to the session you would like to attend. Sign up today by filling out our Regional Kickoff Registration Form.
Workshop Agenda
While each individual workshop will feature slightly different material tailored to each region, the following agenda will be used at all four events.
Joint Session
- Intro and recognition of local atlasers
- Results years 1 & 2
- Local outlook for remainder of project
- County coordinator / local birding expert guest talk
15 minute break
Split Sessions
Beginner
- Intro to atlasing
- Strategies for successful atlasing
- Confusing protocols (overview)
Experienced
- Tricky codes
- Nocturnal atlasing
- Confusing protocols (in depth)
15 minute break
Joint Session
- Expert Q&A panel
- eBird workshop/tutorial
- Summary
What to bring
- Personal laptop/tablet, or mobile for data entry session (if you have one)
- Your own food and drink for the day
- A friend! We want to add 300 new atlasers this year and you can help us do it.
- Binoculars/field clothes/boots, plus headlamp if attending a nocturnal field trip
Any questions about these events? Contact William Mueller at wpmueller1947@gmail.com or Tom Prestby at jjprestby@msn.com.