All,
As we enter the fourth year of the VABBA2 we enter the final turns before
the home stretch next year. This is a great opportunity for citizen
science. So in order to provide adequate data for the Atlas it is up to us
to finish some Priority Blocks this year and next.
I have attached a word document with all the Priority Blocks on the
Northern Neck. Although I am not sure about those out west on the Northern
Neck. From my count there are 28 priority blocks. Three of them are
marked COMPLETE.
Using the Data on the Colonial Beach North SW block, we need about 20 hours
of Day observations and 1 hour of night observations to complete a priority
block.
While my house may not be a priority block, I know with a few nights of
viewing I can get that block completed as well. So if you are already
using the ebird app, it is easy to input your data into it under the
VABBA2. Go to the settings, (android) it is in the lower right hand
corner. Under settings the top line is account and the next is the
"Portal." Hit the portal field and scroll down to the bottom. The most
important feature is to use the breeding codes, when inputting your birding
activity. After all it is a Breeding Bird Atlas. So looking for behaviors
like carrying food or actually nesting are very important. No less
important is behavior associated with breeding, like a pair of birds in
suitable habitat or singing male birds looking for a date.
My goal before I leave again in May is to complete the two priority blocks
near my house, (Fleets Bay SE and Irvington SE blocks). Irvington is
definitely within reach, Fleets Bay will be a little harder. That block is
located just before Windmaill Point, so if you bird Windmill Point, stop
along the way and make a few observations.
The two links below will give you access to the VABBA2 information.
Topographic maps of the Blocks are available for download for you to use.
I use them in conjunction with google maps to make sure I stay within the
boundaries of the block. Also is the page with Block Data, this way you
can scope out a block near you that needs some activity. I will also be
starting random bird walks in the summer covering these areas. Mostly
driving through a block and stopping along the way to see what is out there.
https://vafwis.dgif.virginia.gov/BBA2/BlockExplorer/
https://ebird.org/atlasva/effortmap
Joe Cooney
NNAS Citizen Science
Attachment:
Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas 2.docx
Description: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document
Attachment:
topo_o37076G4SE Lancaster SE Priority.pdf
Description: Adobe PDF document
