Do you have that same pair of osprey nest right outside your window? Do you see swallows and sparrows nesting in you garden? Do you love birding and want to contribute the birding effort that you already do to something bigger? We are currently in the 3rd year of the 5 year Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas 2 and could use your help in the NNK!
What is the Breeding Bird Atlas?
The second Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas (VABBA2) is a survey of all bird species breeding in the state. Data collected will help map the distribution and status of Virginia’s breeding bird community in order to better inform our natural resource and conservation decisions.The last survey was between 1985-1990.
Who Collects the Data?
The VABBA2 is a citizen science project, with volunteers conducting most of the key data collection. Virginia has a strong birding community that we hope will partner with the Virginia Society of Ornithology (VSO) and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) to accomplish the largest bird monitoring effort in the state. We also strongly encourage folks who have an interest in birds, nature, or outdoor recreation, but may not yet be birders, to use this as an opportunity to learn about birds and become involved with a critically important conservation project.
Why help?
The NNK is often one of the least surveyed areas throughout the state. This is surprising as it is one of the most diverse and exciting breeding habitats! Let’s put the NNK on the map and atlas the important summer breeders that we see from year to year.
How to get involved:
Visit the Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas 2 Website and learn more about the program and how to get involved.
It’s easy!
Click here to learn more about how to collect breeding data and input it into ebird as part of the atlas.
Contact the regional coordinator, Ellison Orcutt at mr.ellyo@gmail.com for more information.
*some content has been taken from the VABBA2 website for clarity