Pennsylvania Bird Atlas Launches Winter Bird Surveys

For the first time in its 40-year history, the Pennsylvania Bird Atlas will include winter surveys in its efforts to document the birds of the Commonwealth. These winter surveys will provide an important baseline on the current distributions and abundances of Pennsylvania’s winter birds.

About 120 species overwinter in the state, including a variety of raptors, waterfowl, woodpeckers, and songbirds. Winter Atlas surveys will provide valuable data on species that are rare or occur irregularly during the winter, such as American Goshawks, Evening Grosbeaks, and Rough-legged Hawks. Just as importantly, volunteer birders will document observations of common species, including regular winter visitors to yards and feeders like chickadees, cardinals, jays, and juncos. This information will be used to identify important winter bird habitats and regions, and to develop winter conservation priorities. 

Winter Atlas surveys launch on December 1, 2024. All birders can participate by recording birds anywhere in the state from December 1 - February 28. Data are collected in eBird, via the Pennsylvania Bird Atlas portal. See the Winter Atlas webpage for the volunteer handbook and more details about participating. For further assistance, contact your local county coordinator or email [email protected]. 

Keep up to date with the project by following the PA Bird Atlas Facebook page!