Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t be discouraged by all the information below, the real rules are:
GET UP
BIRD
ENTER DATA
REPEAT
Hints:
a. If you have trouble on the map or data entry websites, you may need to adjust your internet browser so that it will “accept cookies.” You can chose some version of “only for this site” or “ask me each time.”
b. Be sure to bookmark the sites listed below, you will use them often.
c. There will also be other resources at www.hampshirebirdeclub.org - including a Franklin-Hampshire Atlas List 2008.
d. Looking for results from 2007? Try
www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bba/index.cfm?fa=explore.ProjectHome&BBA_ID=MA2007
1. How do I download the handbook, checklist, breeding code?
a. Go to the atlas site (BBA2) http://www.massaudubon.org/birdatlas/bba2/methods/index.php
b. The Handbook is the biggest file. If you have a slow computer connection, just be patient. (It takes me about 10 minutes (time for cup of tea) to download it on my slow Leverett-line.)
c. The Checklist 2008: Download from BBA2, Methods, Checklist. You can also use the Franklin-Hampshire Atlas List 2008 at hampshirebirdclub.org, click on atlas and then the list.
d. Breeding Code: Download from BBA2, Methods, Breeding Code. You can also use the Franklin-Hampshire Atlas List 2008 (see 1.c above)
2. What are these safe dates and breeding codes?
Purpose of safe dates: to make sure that the bird you are looking at is a breeding bird (earlier in the spring it might have been a migrating bird; by mid-summer it might be a bird that has already nested/fledged and has wandered away from its nesting area (dispersed). But, the MOST IMPORTANT information about safe dates is that they have been changed. Make sure you are using a 2008 list. You can also view the list sorted in safe date order, Franklin Hampshire Sorted by First Safe Date 2008.
OBserved= (inside the safe dates). I observed a bird, but it was NOT near a nest site: turkey vulture, great blue heron, or crow overhead, for example. (Only need to put in date. Try to upgrade later.)
POssible= (inside the safe dates). This is usually the first code used. Saw a possibly nesting bird, but I did not observe any nesting behavior on this trip. (Only need to put in date. Try to upgrade later.)
PRobable = inside the safe dates except for “C.”(C=courtship, safe dates don’t apply except for ducks). I saw/heard behaviors that suggest the bird is mated and on territory (or displaying for those like grouse, woodcock, turkey who don’t defend a nesting territory.) Download the exact codes (1.a. above) or see Franklin-Hampshire list (1.c above). Carry a copy with you.
COnfirmed = SAFE DATES DO NOT COUNT, confirmed is confirmed any time of year. I saw bird on the nest, defending or taking care of young, or young too newly fledged to move into the next block! Download exact codes or see Franklin-Hampshire list (1.a. or 1.c above)
3. What is this primary/supporting, 20-hour/20+ hour stuff about anyway?
Each block has one person (or a team) who is the primary atlaser and spends 20 hours in that block trying to find the most possible breeding species. (primary=20-hour card).
Many blocks also have that same person (or team) or others who spend additional time searching for both species and higher levels of breeding confirmation. When they are doing that, they are supporting atlasers (supporting = 20+ hour card)
Why 20-hour lists? The 20 hour list will provide surprisingly good comparable data across all the blocks in the state, and even Northeast, AND across time (atlas 3, atlas 4 etc.) And while it might seem that an experienced birder would come up with many more species/higher confirmation in 20 hours than an newer birder, there is not as much difference as you might think. (At 30 hours the difference is even less.) Analysis of atlases in other states suggests that at 20 hours you will have just about 80% of the species - and almost all species at 30 hours.
Why 20+ hour lists:
a. primary/20-hour folks may (and usually do) want to spend more time in the block during the year they were primary AND/OR during other years. Those observations go on a 20+ hour list. (Once the 20-hour card is done, the primary atlaser morphs into a supporting atlaser.) There is never a second 20-hour card on any block.
b. supporting only/20+ hour folks (not enough time to be a primary) always use the 20+ hour card.
4. How do I print/out save the map?
new way (2008)
a. Go to the BBA2 Explorer Database (where you will enter data later)
http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bba/index.cfm?fa=explore.ProjectHome&BBA_ID=MA2007
b. You should be in “MA 2007 Home” (If you have already signed in, you will be on the “My Atlas” page (look at the bar across the top. Click on “MA 2007 Home” to get to the right place.)
c. On the left-hand menu, select “Block Maps”
d. The list you are looking at is sorted by code number, re-sort by name of block or county, select your block and save it. (If you have a slow computer line it will take 4 minutes - time for another cup of tea.)
e. When you open your saved file, first go to the Printer setup/specifications and select horizontal/landscape. Now, print away.
f. Note you will always need to see that block in context with a regular topo map, street map, whatever. Topo maps are available at sports and camping stores.
Old way (still available and especially nice if you want to look at a region not just a block.)
http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/BreedingBirdAtlas/viewer.htm
If you are just saving and printing, you will probably find the new way (above) better, but if you want to look at region, use the magnifying glass.
5. How many checklists do I need?
a. Again the 2008 checklist is at the BBA2 website
http://www.massaudubon.org/birdatlas/bba2/methods/checklists.php
b. Primary atlasers need two copies/block (LABEL one 20 and the other 20+ NOW. AND put in the name of the block and your name.
c. Supporting only atlaser needs only one per block/year (LABEL 20+ NOW)
d. If you only want likely birds (no Piping Plovers reported in Franklin-Hampshire last year), go to www.hampshirebirdclub.org, click on atlas and then Franklin Hampshire list.
6. How do I find out what folks saw in my block 25 years ago and/or last year?
a. Go to the BBA2 explorer database
http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bba/index.cfm?fa=explore.ProjectHome&BBA_ID=MA2007
b. You don’t even have to sign in to get the history of any blocks.
c. At the top of the page, in the orange bar, click on “Results.”
d. On the next page, on the right-hand side “Results by Block,” select your block name, then number and the results for 1979 and 2007 will be displayed (having the breeding code next to you is very useful) You can save this data (right click, save page as).
e. Hint: when you compare 1979 and 2007.
i. some bird names have changed - that Yellow-shafted Flicker is now on a different line as a Northern Flicker, etc.
ii. In Atlas 1, the quality of the work on the western Mass blocks varied, if your list is good, that’s fine. If it is minimal, that reflects the shortage of birder hours not of birds in the late 1970s - i.e. the old data is really no help.
f. Hint #2: As useful as this list is, it can be misleading. If the bird was not seen in 1979 or in 2007, it isn’t on the list - and you might not notice. Try transferring the 2007 sightings on to your working list - use a color pencil to separate last year from this. Then you will notice the missed species.
7. How do I enter my observations?
a. Go to the BBA2 explorer database (bookmark this baby, you will need it OFTEN)
http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bba/index.cfm?fa=explore.ProjectHome&BBA_ID=MA2007
b. Sign in
i. Name=your email address
ii. Observer Code= your first name (unless you only have 3 letters in your first name and then the fourth is the first letter of your last name). Caps don’t count.
iii. Password. You DO NOT need a password.
If there is a problem (usually caused by a typo when an unnamed regional coordinator entered your name), contact your coordinator.
If you want to change your observer code, you have to sign in, then click on the “my profile” place on the top left hand corner of the orange bar across the top of top webpage. You can type in a new observer code, click on “update.”
c. Make sure that the blocks listed are the ones you agreed to do and that your name is spelled correctly. If there is an error (and there may be), contact your coordinator.
d. Fill in the first line of the time card (or more if you are entering for a number of days of birding). When you are finished, just hit return or go to the bottom right corner and click on “go” Times are ESSENTIAL on a 20-hour card. Sometimes you will not be able to enter times on the 20+ hour card (“saw while taking out the compost, saw while not paying attention at a friend’s wedding”), that’s fine too. You still have to hit “go” to continue.
e. You are now looking at the data entry page. The “save” is at the bottom of the list. If you are a coward, like me, you will save occasionally so that if something weird happens you don’t lose your work.
f. Important: longer (and better) directions are in the handbook for everything on this list. Go the BBA2, Methods
http://www.massaudubon.org/birdatlas/bba2/methods/index.php
For help with data entry, go to the BBA website (above). On the left-hand side, click on USGS Date Entry tool and download. It is very complete.
g. What do these “Status Codes” mean?
The first 3 codes are the Massachusetts Natural Heritage Codes for birds at risk. When you find these birds, you are asked to send a report and map to the Natural Heritage folks. It may be that this report will be filed entirely on line, you will hear when that happens. If you found one of these birds in 2007, you are asked to try to re-find it this year and to send in a new form and map.
Natural Heritage Codes
E = listed by Natural Heritage as Endangered
T = listed by Natural Heritage as Threatened
SC = listed by Natural Heritage as Special Concern
The last 3 codes are from the atlas folks for species that they are especially interested in (again you are asked to send map using the same procedure.)
Additional Reporting Codes
L = local and/or rare breeder
C = report on those nesting in natural Cavities
I = report Inland records
8. Atlas Guidelines
See the Handbook for all observation/data entry protocols.
And, as always, Use Common Sense and Courtesy:
to the birds (never disturb or endanger, no tapes, do not visit nests)
to the birders (share information, expertise)
to the landowners (ask permission, provide information, thank)
to yourself (be safe, have fun)
Still have questions? Then contact
Mary Alice Wilson, Atlas Coordinator Hampshire and Franklin Counties
20 Juggler Meadow Road, Leverett, MA 01054
413-548-9078, mwilson@k12s.phast.umass.edu
