Howard County Bird Club
A Chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society
Breeding Bird Atlas Tips
Howard County Bird Club
by Jo Solem
FIELD WORK
The welfare of the bird comes first! If you appear to be stressing a bird, back off or leave.
Do not ignore housing developments, especially those with mature trees.
In suburban neighborhoods, it can be useful to carry a clipboard and be sure to put a sign on the dashboard of your car (a stranger peering through binoculars is bound to attract attention). In rural areas, park safely without blocking gates, driveways, or access lanes into fields.
If your block has meadow areas, give them special attention the first year (they are the most rapidly disappearing habitat); most observations are made roadside (even if you have land permission, you can’t walk in fields or on sod).
Vary your route and timing so you don’t always visit the same part of your block at the same time.
Although early a.m. and evening are usually the most productive, go when it is convenient for you. Early Sunday morning has traditionally had the least traffic and lowest noise levels.
Initially, don’t focus on confirming each species. A long list of Probables is preferable to a short list of Confirmations.
Time is your most valuable asset. Put your knowledge and efforts into finding and confirming the unusual species; the common ones will take care of themselves.
It is not necessary to do everything the first year. This is a 5-year project.
Expect to be stopped by police, security guards, and concerned citizens. Since 9/11, this is a fact of life. Carry not only personal ID, but material describing the project. It can be an opportunity to educate.
Some farmers/property owners are highly protective of their land. Even looking from the roadside may elicit inquiries. On some rural roads, it may be necessary to have someone drop you off so you can walk a portion. Bicycling can be an excellent option.
Breeding activity increases during the year reaching a peak from mid-June to early August. Singing and nest-building dominate the early season; later, fledged birds will be frequent (and usually easier to confirm).
Because singing intensity and duration can vary by species, time of day, and timing of the nesting cycle, it is better to makes several 2-3 hour visits over a several week period than a single 8-hour once-a-month visit.
Vary time of day coverage; be sure to schedule evening/night visits (or advise coordinators so they can schedule other observers to cover nocturnal species).
Feeders in summer can be a valuable way to confirm species as adults bring fledglings to feeders.
Patience is a primary virtue. Sitting on a log or folding stool in a well-chosen location for an hour may net a surprising number of territorial birds (cowbirds learn a great deal about the nests in a location by simply perching and watching). You will not understand all interactions and activities you see. Don’t hesitate to ask the coordinators for their interpretation of what you saw.
It is not necessary to find nests to confirm breeding (except in a few species). Avoid stressing a bird carrying nesting material or food. Do not approach nests, pull down branches to look inside a nest, or climb to a vantage point. If you find a nest, do not make repeat visits. Under no circumstances, break branches or pull vegetation aside in order to take a photo or to look inside.
WORDS TO THE WISE
Lead atlasers do not need to confirm every species personally. Shamelessly exploit neighbors, friends, business acquaintances, bird club members, and local relatives for their help, especially with the more common species. When asked about birds, many people will pull up photos on their phones. Develop a network of contacts in your block; check with them regularly during the height of the breeding season. Talk to people who are walking in a neighborhood (don’t stop joggers). Not only may such interactions produce additions, but it is a way of planting information with a local who can tell others why you are in the neighborhood. When people provide data, get names and specific locations. Hand out business cards either with your or Sue’s contact info. Distribute atlas information to encourage understanding of the project.
Avoid trespassing. It can get you in trouble and gives birders and the project a bad name.
DO NOT TAKE UNNECESSARY RISKS. Do not go into old sheds, barns, and buildings. Floors can give way; ladders may no longer be safe, etc. Do not wade into pond edges or muddy areas. Go with a partner if at all possible. Accidents do happen; even in this developed county, there is not always cell coverage
FINALLY
If you run into personal or business problems and can’t work your block, let the coordinators know sooner rather than later.
Howard County has a long history of producing outstanding atlas results. We have every reason to believe this atlas will continue that tradition.
Relish the opportunity to learn more than you had ever imagined while enjoying yourself and contributing to science!