The California Bird Atlas (CBA) is in the first spring of what is sure to be the most comprehensive documentation of bird distribution and behavior ever attempted in the state (ebird.org/atlascalifornia) and Sacramento Audubon Society is a founding partner. Running year-round for five years, this project will serve as an essential conservation baseline for decades to come. It is the first state-wide effort for California, though other states and many counties have run similar projects. If you are already using eBird, you are just a few steps from contributing to the Atlas.
Atlasing is not that different from regular eBirding. It runs through the eBird app and/or eBird website. There is no official time commitment, and it just involves noting and entering breeding codes on your checklists with the built in tools. Atlasing is a fun way to learn and engage with your local birds. A Western Meadowlark on a fence holding a grasshopper in its bill and waiting for you to pass so it can feed its young is an example of breeding confirmation--these discoveries can make your day! Atlasing can also be an incentive to check under-visited areas and learn more about your neighborhood or region.
There are over 3,000 atlasers already entering data into California's 16,527 blocks—roughly 3 x 3 miles. The CBA was carefully planned and is scientifically grounded. The core team worked with eBird to develop custom tools to make sure the data go in the right blocks. If you're already atlasing, please encourage your friends. Some folks are afraid to start because they don't want to make mistakes. Please don't let that be a hurdle. This is a five-year project, and we benefit from getting all active eBirders to contribute and learn in the process. If you don’t use eBird, this is a great time to start: The Quick Start Guide, Breeding Code Definitions, and FAQs (frequently asked questions). As a Regional Coordinator, I'm here to help in any way I can. Email me.
-Chris Conard
Yellow-billed Magpie carrying nesting material © Daniel Lee Brown