As we approach the end of June, we are mid-way through the final summer of data collection for the breeding portion of the atlas. July is the best month to confirm species, and breeding for many species lingers into August. Even in September a few species will still be breeding – goldfinches and cardinals for example. But, July is really the month for a big last push. Continue reading
Month: June 2021
Missing starlings?
As 2021 is the last year of data collection for the breeding portion of the atlas project, our focus is very much on filling gaps – looking for species that have been missed and, especially, seeking evidence of confirmed breeding. At the start of the year I was shocked at how many blocks were missing some very common species. Several of the species that really stood out are associated with human habitation, and I wrote about house sparrows and rock pigeons earlier this year. Continue reading
Which warbler is most widespread?
Warblers are well into their breeding season. For example, this morning in Eastford, I watched a female Blackburnian warbler gathering cobwebs and small twigs, while a male sang nearby. Nearby, I also saw both black-and-white and yellow warblers carrying food back to their nestlings. Most warblers, however, have fairly specific habitats, and are unlikely candidates for the list of species that could be found in any block. Continue reading
Robins and catbirds are (nearly) everywhere
In most posts this year, I’ve focused on species where we think we lack complete information, such as house finches and rock pigeons. But there are some species among the dozen that we feel could breed in any block that have already been found in almost all of them. Continue reading
Confirming house finches
Back in July 2018 – midway through the project’s first breeding season, I identified 12 species to confirm in every block. Based on results from the first atlas, and my experience atlasing across the state, these 12 species seemed like they could be found pretty much anywhere. Whether that’s true is hard to say without ensuring that we have good coverage in every block. So, the next couple of months are the last chance to follow up and see if these species can be found in places they have not yet been reported from. Continue reading
Early morning at the mall
As 2021 is the last year of data collection for the breeding portion of the atlas project, our focus is very much on filling gaps – looking for species that have been missed and, especially, seeking evidence of confirmed breeding. As a result, whenever I go anywhere beyond my home blocks, I look for ways to fill a few gaps along my route. Continue reading