For the first time in its 40-year history, the Pennsylvania Bird Atlas will include winter surveys in its efforts to document the birds of the Commonwealth, according to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.

These winter surveys will provide an important baseline on the current distributions and abundances of Pennsylvania’s winter birds.

About 120 species overwinter in the state, including a variety of raptors, waterfowl, woodpeckers, and songbirds.

Winter Atlas surveys will provide valuable data on species that are rare or occur irregularly during the winter, such as American Goshawks, Evening Grosbeaks, and Rough-legged Hawks.

Just as importantly, volunteer birders will document observations of common species, including regular winter visitors to yards and feeders like chickadees, cardinals, jays, and juncos.

This information will be used to identify important winter bird habitats and regions, and to develop winter conservation priorities.

All birders can participate in the Winter Survey by recording birds anywhere in the state from December 1 - February 28.

Data are collected in eBird, via the Pennsylvania Bird Atlas portal.

See the Winter Atlas webpage for the volunteer handbook and more details about participating.

For further assistance, contact your local county coordinator or email pabirdatlas@hawkmountain.org.

Visit the Pennsylvania Bird Atlas webpage for more information on this bird conservation initiative.

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary website or call 610-756-6961.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Sanctuary, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, visit them on Flickr and visit their YouTube Channel.  Click Here to support Hawk Mountain.

[Posted: November 19, 2024]

11/25/2024