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Twenty-five years ago, Massachusetts was the first state in the country to organize a Breeding Bird Atlas. The organizers at Mass Audubon divided the state up into a grid using the USGS topographic maps. (The grid has 970 blocks; each block about 3 miles on a side). Then hundreds of volunteers searched for every species of breeding bird they could find in each block. Now most states have, or are working on, a breeding bird atlas. Taken together, these atlases help folks understand the habitat requirements for nesting birds throughout in our state, region, and continent.

But 25 years is a long time - think of the changes to our landscape in that time. And so the second atlas (Atlas 2) has begun. And we need your help.

Getting organized

1. You have to register with Mass Audubon. Go to:
http://www.massaudubon.org/birdatlas/bba2/block_help.php

a. Then go to the registration page
b. then click on next
c. AND THEN you will find the form to fill out.

It takes about a week for the regional coordinator to get the list and then I will let you know that you are set! (yes it is complicated - but the double-registration is to protect the privacy of your information).

2. For information on maps and how the system works, go to Answers to Frequently Asked Atlas Questions.

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