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NC’s first bird atlas survey invites volunteers to join
in on a communal effort to help save state birds.
Calling All Birders. Tweet this: Bird atlas surveys have taken place across the country since the 1970s, but North Carolina has yet to complete one (“Hawkard!”). Until now. And they want you to get in on it.
With no “egrets,” North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is helming North Carolina’s first-ever large-scale standardized avian survey this March, in collab with partner groups NC State University, the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Audubon North Carolina, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and more.
And they are inviting thousands of volunteer birdwatchers (aka—you!) to help map the distribution and quantity of birds across the state.
It’s like birding—except you’ll be asked to slow your roll, and instead of trying to peep as many bird species as possible, the breeding portion of the atlas asks you to hone in on individual birds and note behaviors.
So, if you’re observing, say, a tufted titmouse, you might take note of whether the bird is singing or perhaps gathering moss to build a nest.
Organizers started volunteer recruitment in January and continue to encourage birding enthusiasts of all experience levels to get involved. And, yes, “toucan”—and should.
Why? Beyond the obvious—birds—“you’ll deepen your knowledge… have fun outside with new friends, and contribute to a widespread and critical research project that ultimately helps us better understand and protect birds,” says Scott Anderson, bird conservation biologist at the NCWRC.
“We are excited to get this project off the ground,” Anderson adds. “Wildlife in North Carolina is for everyone, and we encourage participation by a diversity of North Carolinians to benefit our diversity of birds—hence our motto: People Count. Birds Count.” Looks like this one’s for the birds. ncbirdatlas.org
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