Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas

Overview and history of the Atlas

© Steve Faccio

The Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas (VBBA) is the most comprehensive bird survey in the state, and occurs only once every 25 years. The first Atlas in Vermont was published in 1985, and now we have embarked on the second. From 2003 to 2007, volunteers from every corner of the state are surveying the variety of habitats Vermont offers, from forests and fields to valleys and mountains, keeping record of the birds they find. The Atlas field surveys take place over 5 years to allow enough time to cover all of the regions of the state that were surveyed a quarter century ago.

What are the goals of the Atlas?

Our primary goal is to survey the same lands in Vermont that were surveyed 25 years ago in order to detect changes in the distribution of species. Accomplishing this goal will require surveying one-sixth of Vermont’s total land base. Given the incredible growth in recreational birding since the first Atlas, we hope to achieve even more. From the data collected, we will produce maps depicting the occurrence of every species breeding in the state. The more land we are able to survey, the more complete these maps will be. The more complete the maps, the more useful they will be to state agencies and organizations that use the Atlas to help create management plans, carry out planning, and prioritize conservation areas that will maintain or enhance Vermont’s bird populations.

Who can participate?

To be an Atlas surveyor, you need:

Source: www.cybermedmarketing.com

An interest in birds

Bird identification skills OR a strong commitment to develop them.

Willingness to devote time between May 15 and August 1 in at least one of the survey years (2003-2007). Beginners will need 3 to 5 years to complete their surveys.

Persistence!

Because the Atlas is a 5-year project, beginner birders who are dedicated will have ample time to become familiar with their survey area, develop their skills, and contribute useful information. We encourage those of you with a committment to learning about bird identification to get involved!

How does the Atlas Work?

We will begin the Atlas by surveying “priority blocks” – sections of land throughout the state that were surveyed in the first Atlas or have been selected for his Atlas. Each block is 5 km x

5 km, and participants will be assigned one or more blocks, the number assigned depending on how much time they can commit during the five-year survey period and their birding skill level. You can view a map of block assignments and availability (pdf or interactive html ). Blocks will usually be surveyed when most species in the state are breeding, typically 15 May – 1 August. Surveys for some species such as owls will take place outside of this window. The goal is to survey the block until at least 75% of the species likely to occur in the block are found, and evidence of nesting of at least 50% of these species is confirmed. The amount of time needed to survey a block depends on topography, habitat complexity and diversity, accessibility of habitats, and, to some extent, skill level of the volunteer. On average, complete coverage of a block takes about 50 hours or more of field work, and the time can be spread out over 2 or more years.

Coordinators in each county will work directly with Atlas surveyors in their region. They will assign blocks, provide support to participants, and coordinate logistics. The County Coordinators may give field days in spring as needed, to give participants atlassing tips. Participants can request manuals and data forms with all of the details about how to survey a block. Most of these materials are also be available for download from this web site at that time.

How do I get involved?

Sign up on this website by completing the registration form, and a coordinator will contact you shortly. If you have questions, feel free to email the statewide coordinator.

Who organizes the Atlas?

The VBBA is a project of the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. Financial support for the Atlas is provided in part by the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife. Cooperating organizations include Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, the School of Natural Resources at the University of Vermont, and the National Wildlife Federation. Local Audubon chapters in Vermont and the Northwoods Stewardship Center are providing essential assistance in coordinating and carrying out the Atlas.