What Kind of Atlasser Am I:
Hikers and Cyclists

Hikers and cyclists can contribute data to the breeding bird atlas by simply paying attention on their outings. Pennsylvania boasts hundreds of miles of hiking and cycling trails that traverse varied habitats throughout the state.

From the old growth trees in the Allegheny National Forest to the wide variety of habitats in the 117 PA State Parks, not to mention thousands of county and local parks throughout Pennsylvania, hikers have plenty of atlassing opportunities. Hikers have the advantage of going deeper into the woods and fields, in the process sometimes encountering some of PA's larger breeding birds, such as owls, hawks or ravens. In the midst of a peaceful forest, one might flush a Ruffed Grouse from a trailside nest, witness a Turkey hen defending her poults, or hear the unmistakable "Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all" call of a Barred Owl.

Whether on a mountain bike trail in the woods or on one of the growing number of rails-to-trails, cyclists have unique opportunities to atlas. Rails-to-trails often follow rivers, allowing the possibility of observing various species of breeding birds. One might encounter a family of Common Mergansers swimming peacefully in the river, kingfisher nest burrows along the bank, or even a Blue Heron or Egret rookery located high in a stand of sycamore trees.

Hikers and cyclists often carry GPS units and these can be used to help pinpoint the location of breeding birds, facilitating the subsequent identification of the atlas block in which casual observations are made (note: all GPS coordinates must be recorded in decimal degrees format).

To make it as easy as possible for you to participate, we have created a field card to help you track your observations in the field. Field card entries include your name, dates and the block in which you are atlassing, plus space for recording any observations. You have the option of using a species code insert that lists the 4-letter code for each of the birds you are likely to see.

The Field Card and Field Card Insert are available as PDF files under the Atlas Materials link.

PDF files require Acrobat Reader. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, click here for the free download.

By contributing to the 2nd PBBA, you can count yourself among the thousands of volunteers who are literally putting their birds on the Pennsylvania map. You will be acknowledged for your contributions in the final published book, and you will receive the very informative and interesting project newsletter, "The PennsylAvian Monitor," at least twice a year. The 2nd PBBA is a project that can involve everyone in your family, regardless of age or bird watching experience.