What Kind of Atlasser Am I:
The 2nd PBBA for Scouts and Scouters

Participation in this conservation study of PennsylAvian biodiversity is a natural extension of the Boy Scout program. Scouts vow to be “conservation-minded,” and, because Scouts spend a lot of time outdoors, they are a valuable asset to the Atlas. Many times, the Scouts are doing work for a rank advancement that can be directly applied to the Atlas data. Here are two examples of how Boy Scouts can help with the Atlas:

Second Class Requirement #5 states: “Identify or show evidence of at least 10 kinds of wild animals (birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, mollusks) found in your community”—while working on this requirement, why not make it a point to identify birds and note their behavior for the Atlas database? Each possible, probable, or confirmed breeding bird that you identify will be an entry for the Atlas database.

The Bird Study Merit Badge requirement # 5 asks you to start a field notebook and observe and identify at least 20 species, recording the date, time, location and habitat—again, this fits right in with the Atlas work if any of the species are nesting.

Cub Scouts are also welcome to participate in the 2nd PBBA. Because of the need for accuracy in the Atlas data, we ask that these younger Scouts have an adult (parent or den leader) verify their observations. Once confirmed, the data can be entered into the database under the Scout’s name. Cub Scouts also have Rank requirements that fit right into atlassing:

Tiger Cub Elective #32 says “make a bird feeder and hang it outdoors.” Keep an eye on your feeder, and you might have an Atlas entry, such as observing baby birds being fed by their parents.

Wolf Elective #13 is all about the Birds, and instructs the Scout to “watch birds for a week and list 10 different kinds.” Why not keep track on a 2nd PBBA field card or backyard birdwatcher form, and submit your breeding bird observations to the Atlas project?

Bear Requirement # 5b states “Build or make a bird feeder or birdhouse and hang it in a place where birds can visit safely.” Once you have your birdhouse or feeder, just sit back and watch what birds come along! Check out a field guide with your parent, and you may get several entries for the Atlas in one afternoon!

Webelos Naturalist # 5 requires that you “Watch for birds in your yard, neighborhood or town for one week. Identify the birds you see and write down where and when you saw them.” Choose a week in June or July, work with an adult to record these observations, and this information will translate directly into data for the Atlas.

What if you have already finished the Bird Study Merit Badge, or completed all of the requirements mentioned? The Atlas still needs your help! How about incorporating birding into your next Pack or Troop Outing? Or, ask each member of your unit to submit one breeding bird record by the end of the summer (include date, species, and the bird’s behavior, and, if possible, describe the habitat where you saw the bird). For older Scouts seeking adventure, consider requesting the 2nd PBBA Owl or Marshbird protocols and CDs to take along on a night hike in spring or summer. Going to Summer Camp or hiking in the woods? Borrow a few good field guides from the library and encourage your Scouts to observe the birds around them—you may get a few good Atlas records, and who knows—you may just start someone on a lifelong hobby of birding

The 2nd PBBA will only be successful with the help of thousands of volunteers from across the state. Why not join the ranks of the many other Pa birders of every skill level, and help put PA breeding birds on the map? Materials to get you started can be printed from the “Atlas Materials” section of this website, or we would be happy to provide the birding forms, field cards, handbooks, etc. — see the “Contact Us” link if you need to get in touch with the Atlas office.