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IN THIS ISSUE:
  • Atlas progress update: Season totals
  • Call to action: Get your data in
  • New team member: Meet the new Assistant Coordinator
  • Species Spotlight: Common Gallinule
  • Off season tips: Discover a new birding area
  • Bird Clubs: How clubs can support the Atlas
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September 2022

As of September, over 3000 atlasers have submitted data, 90 priority blocks are officially complete, and 224 species have been confirmed breeding in the state, with the latest addition being Gull-billed Tern. See more statewide stats.

The third breeding season has pretty much ended, though a few late nesters (like goldfinches) and birds with multiple broods (like cardinals) can still be observed feeding young. You can learn more in our most recent guide on late nesters.

Even though it’s fall, there are still things you can do to support the Atlas!  

  • Get your data in order
  • Scout and plan for next season
  • Get your bird club involved
  • Donate to the Atlas

See more details on these actions below.

Call to Action - Data, Data, Data
"Person typing on a laptop" by wuestenigel is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

It’s that time of year again! September is data month. Use this checklist to make sure all your data are in order and as useful to the Atlas as possible: 

  • Submit all outstanding checklists
  • Make sure all checklists are in the correct portal
  • Unhide checklists
  • Upload documentation (particularly for rare breeders)
  • Be sure checklist locations are assigned to the correct blocks
Learn more

Meet the new Assistant Coordinator!

Jared Feura, the new Atlas Assistant Coordinator, with his dog.

Jared Feura will be helping Julie with all things Atlas. He hails from Pennsylvania and has extensive experience working with marsh birds and observing bird breeding behaviors. Check out his article on Common Gallinules below. We are excited to welcome Jared to the Atlas flock! 

Read the Atlaser Spotlight article

Where does your favorite bird migrate?
Find out using the new
Audubon Migration Explorer!

With this new tool, you can learn about the full annual cycle for 458 species of migratory birds!
https://explorer.audubon.org

Species Spotlight - Common Gallinule
Common Gallinule with fledglings © Robert Reed/Macaulay Library (ML253456111)

Common Gallinules are a member of the rail family found in fresh and brackish marshes throughout much of eastern and parts of western North America. Unlike many rails, Common Gallinules are just as comfortable swimming in the water as they are stalking through wetlands where they feed on aquatic vegetation, seeds, and invertebrates like snails. Gallinules are also one of the species you can find breeding late in the season.

Here are some of our top tips for finding gallinules:

  • Be out early. Plan to be out at sunrise, or possibly a little sooner, in May or June at a freshwater or brackish marsh.
  • Scan edges. Watch the edges of open water and aquatic vegetation for birds foraging on vegetation and invertebrates. Later in the season, watch for family groups, sometimes walking at the water’s edge, rather than swimming.
  • Get on the water. If you are visiting a large wetland, try hitting the water with a canoe or kayak to access more remote portions of the marsh. Common Gallinules like to nest in places where they have an easier time getting in and out of the water such as tucked away pools and channels.
Learn more tricks
What to do in the off season
Discover new areas to atlas along the NYS Birding Trail!

Wondering what to do now that breeding season is over? Here are some suggestions.

Discover new birding locations in a priority block in advance of the 2023 season! Scout out some new birding locations on the new NYS Birding Trail. The new birding trail map is available at ibirdny.org and highlights a range of birding sites statewide, including sites accessible by public transportation and for people with mobility challenges (learn more at birdability.org).

Wondering if you should keep using the Atlas portal or add breeding codes? Find out in this article

How Bird Clubs can support the Atlas
There are a lot of ways bird clubs can get involved with the Atlas! "Birdwatching with grandpa Claytor Lake State Park Virginia" by vastateparksstaff is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Breeding season is pretty much over for 2022 but there are still ways you and your bird club can support the Atlas:

Another fun way to celebrate the Atlas is to get in on Big Atlas Weekend! In 2023, Big Atlas Weekend falls on June 23-25. Plan a field trip to a priority block near you, teach people how to use eBird, and record breeding behaviors for the Atlas! 

Upcoming Events

Atlasing season may be over, but we're still active! Check out the Atlas Events Calendar for details on how to participate in upcoming Atlas events, from chats to trainings to in-person walks!

  • September: the month to submit your data, unhide checklists, add documentation
  • Sept 30-Oct 2: NYSOA Annual Meeting–talk to someone at our table or hear Julie speak!
  • Oct 8: October Big Day
Also check the calendars of your local bird club and NYS Parks for local birding trips.
Get your swag on!
  • Visit our online store to purchase atlas-themed items. A percentage of the proceeds go to the Atlas. Look official while supporting the atlas!
  • Sponsor a Species of your choosing and have your name featured in the final Atlas product! Together we've raised $39,400!
  • Donate directly to the atlas. Donations go toward supporting outreach events and data collection all in the name of conservation.
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