Newfoundland Breeding Bird Atlas

Week #4 of our mystery bird challenge. Who does this range map belong to? Map from https://www.allaboutbirds.org/ (Cornell Lab of Ornithology).

We continue to be impressed by how many people know their range maps and bird songs! Congrats to everyone who identified this week's mystery species as the Dark-eyed Junco. One of the most abundant species in North America, their plumage varies widely across their range - but they can always be recognized by the flash of bright white outer tail feathers during flight. Dark-eyed juncos were among the ten most commonly reported species during the 2020 atlas season, seen in a total of 139 squares. by Darrian Washinger

Though its songs have many variations, you may often hear one like this from Mystery Bird #3! Recording by Doug Hynes. #nlbirdatlas

The snow may be piling up outside, but owls are singing all across NL! Join us for An Evening of Owls to learn more about our Atlantic owl species, how citizen science data is used for owl conservation, and how you can participate in the Atlantic Nocturnal Owl Survey!

Mystery Bird #3: which species does this range map belong to? Map from https://www.allaboutbirds.org/ (Cornell Lab of Ornithology).

Slimy...yet satisfying?! (The Lion King, anybody?? ) What a huge meal for a little bird! What is the most oversized meal you’ve seen a bird try to eat? Comment below! This cute little Philadelphia Vireo is relatively uncommon in Newfoundland, so it’s not surprising that this species was only found in 2 atlas squares in 2020. That just goes to show that you never know what you’re going to find when you’re out atlassing! : Randolph White

Welcome to 21UVR42, an atlas square near the northern edge of Gros Morne National Park which holds the current record for most breeding bird species in 2020! In total, 64 species were observed, with two species at risk: the Bank Swallow (upper left) and Olive-sided Flycatcher (bottom). Want to try and beat the record? It’s not too late to register for the atlas (https://www.birdscanada.org/birdmon/nfatlas/register.jsp) and sign up for a square; you’ll have the next 4 years t...o see what you can find! Bank Swallow: Peter Thomas Olive-sided Flycatcher: Jared Clarke

Check out a little article about the first season of Atlas data collection! https://www.birdscanada.org/citizen-scientists-rock-the-fi/

Check out this talk tomorrow evening given by bird expert Jared Clarke, to learn about the birds of Newfoundland and Labrador! Whether you're new to birds, a seasoned birder, or wish to visit Newfoundland one day, this talk is sure to be a good one! Just don't forget to register in advance so you don't run out of time to access the link !

Happy Halloween from the Atlas and a very fitting Halloween bird: the American Redstart! Only the males sport these dashing Halloween colours so don't let the duller females trick you, since they are both always a treat to see! Jared Clarke

Spooky season is here! The count-down is on to harness your creativity and use those amazing pumpkin creations for good instead of evil . You have until Friday to enter your best carved pumpkin in a contest that will simultaneously raise funds for Birds Canada’s work on Piping Plovers. This is the perfect opportunity to get your family and friends in the Halloween spirit, and have the chance to win a prize pack! Check out the contest on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pumpkinsforplovers/?hl=en

Want to practice your atlassing skills for next year but feel like you don't have the tools? If you're in St. John's, Mount Pearl, CBS, or Torbay, check out these birdwatching backpacks. You can borrow them from your local library, thanks to Nature Newfoundland and Labrador, partnered with Newfoundland Labrador Hydro and The Outfitters, Adventure Gear & Apparel! https://www.facebook.com/naturenl/posts/4511710475570347