We used these data forms for Atlas surveys in 2018-2022. The Atlas is no longer collecting data. This page has been archived for the historical record.

 

Please submit all data forms in a timely manner, ideally at least monthly (rare reports forms should be sent as soon as possible after a sighting). We recommend that you make a copy (e.g., a scan) before you send them in.

 

eBird data submissions. If you prefer to submit data via eBird, share your checklist with ctbirdatlas. If you are submitting breeding data make sure you include a breeding code for every species you want to provide information about. If you are submitting winter data, make sure you identify the type of survey in the checklist comment box (see below).

Breeding Season Field Card. Use this form whenever you visit a block during the breeding season with a plan to spend time surveying it. Fill out a new field card on every visit and record all species, along with the strongest evidence for nesting, seen on that visit. For more information on how to complete the field card go here. If you prefer to submit data via eBird, follow the previous link for instructions.

Incidental Breeding Observation Form. Use this form to report records obtained while going about your day-to-day activities, or when not doing formal atlas surveys. For more information on how to report incidental breeding observations (including instructions for submitting these observations via eBird, if you prefer that method), go here.

Nest Location Form. Use this form to provide specific coordinates for the exact location of nests that you find. Submitting this information is optional but having exact locations will allow us to better understand the specific habitat nests of nesting birds.

Winter Field Card. Use this form whenever you visit a block during the winter (Nov-Feb) to conduct 1-hour timed surveys. Fill out a new field card on every visit and record all species, along with counts of the number of individuals seen or heard. For more information on how to complete the field card go here. If you prefer to submit data via eBird, share with ctbirdatlas and put “CT Bird Atlas timed survey” in the checklist comment box.

Incidental Winter Observation Form. Use this form to report records obtained while going about your day-to-day activities, or when not doing formal atlas surveys. For information on how to provide location information (including how to obtain latitude and longitude coordinates), use the same methods as for the breeding survey, here. If you prefer to submit data via eBird, share with ctbirdatlas and put “CT Bird Atlas incidental” in the checklist comment box.

Inland Waterbody Survey Form. Use this form to report records obtained from surveys of waterbirds and raptors at ponds and lakes. For more information on how to complete the form go here. If you prefer to submit data via eBird, share with ctbirdatlas and put “CT Bird Atlas waterbody survey” in the checklist comment box.

Shoreline Survey Form. Use this form to report records obtained from surveys of waterbirds and raptors from fixed points on the coast, or along major rivers or large lakes. For more information on how to complete the form go here. If you prefer to submit data via eBird, share with ctbirdatlas and put “CT Bird Atlas shoreline survey” in the checklist comment box.

Roost Survey Form. Use this form to report records obtained from surveys of roosting birds. For more information on how to complete the form go here. If you prefer to submit data via eBird, share with ctbirdatlas and put “CT Bird Atlas roost survey” in the checklist comment box.

Rare Reports Form. Use this form to provide supporting information for all reports of rare species, or species found breeding in unusual habitat or outside their expected breeding period. For more information on when to use this form, go here.

Volunteer Effort Form. Use this form to provide information about the time and mileage you invest in the atlas. This information is extremely important as it helps to match the grant funding that we are using to pay for the project. For more information on how to use this form, go here.

 

Bird data (field cards, incidental observation forms, rare reports forms) should be mailed to this address:

Connecticut Bird Atlas
c/o Chris Elphick
Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
University of Connecticut
75 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3043
Storrs, CT 06269-3043

High quality scans of data forms can also be emailed to ctbirdatlasdata@gmail.com.

We strongly encourage you to first make a copy of your data (paper, scan, photograph) as a backup.

If you are submitting bird data via eBird, please share your checklist with the atlas eBird account: ctbirdatlas (click here for details on how to share checklists).

 

Volunteer effort data should be sent (on a monthly basis) to this address:

Connecticut Bird Atlas
c/o Min Huang
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
391 Route 32
N. Franklin, CT 06254
Min.huang@ct.gov