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Following in the footsteps of many other states, the AOS Board voted to undertake a Breeding Bird Atlas project during 2002-2006. This is a huge project with substantial conservation and scientific impact. The published results will provide a complete, reliable picture of breeding bird distribution in Alabama in far greater detail than has ever been available. These maps are useful to scientists, conservationist, land managers, and government agencies, and are greatly informative to those interested in birds. This information serves as a suitable baseline against which comparisons can be made 20 or 200 years from now as we monitor our changing planet. Fortunately, the Atlas project is the best birdwatching project ever designed for amateurs to contribute lots of information and have fun doing it. It involves searching 3x3 mi. blocks of land to find as many species as you can during late May and June (when they are breeding). Professor Doug Robinson, who did many Illinois blocks (and already 2 in Alabama) says "it is like a ‘Big Day' each time I go out." Board Member Don Ware, who also did several blocks in the 2001 pilot project says "I need another fix every week or two. It is more fun than any of the other counts." Just as important as the fun is the fact that anyone can contribute at whatever skill level he presently has attained. Seeing what the birds are doing – carrying nest materials or food, or begging to be fed – is important, so those that don't identify many birds by song can still contribute! Each contribution combines to give us a better picture of breeding birds in Alabama. Doing an atlas can be expensive, but the AOS has some big advantages. Rick West has volunteered to lead the Project and bring it to completion so we won't have to pay a Project Coordinator. A great group of AOS members have agreed to be regional coordinators -- see the accompanying map of regions and list of coordinators. Greg Jackson will incorporate the results in a new Alabama Birds he is undertaking so we won't have to find an author. Email has come of age, so we can reduce the printing and mailing costs to those already on line. Finally, each and every one of you will either undertake to survey a block or go with someone who does – won't you? If we each do at least one block, we won't have to raise funds to pay people to finish up for us – funds that can be spent on other conservation needs instead. We will begin distributing Handbooks, field cards, and maps after the first of the year. Please contact the Regional Coordinator for the area that interests you the most. Be sure to get your map of what will become your special piece of Alabama. We will teach you what to do and make it fun for you. Rick West Coordinator, AL Breeding Bird Atlas ricklwest@aol.com; 334-324-6477, 800-707-4382. Greg Jackson Chairman, AOS Census Committee g_d_jackson@bellsouth.net This page
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