In the 1980s, volunteers surveyed the entire state in a massive effort to record and map in an atlas the birds which breed in Michigan. This information has proved invaluable to scientists and natural resource managers, but there are indications that bird distribution and abundance has changed since this atlas was created.

Starting in 2002, the Kalamazoo Nature Center was contracted to coordinate the creation of a second Michigan Breeding Bird Atlas. The data collection portion of this process is scheduled to be completed in 2008, and its success depends again on the dedication of a corps of volunteers: backyard birdfeeders, hunters, amateur birdwatchers, and professionals.

 

Help is still needed for the 2008 field season. An extensive knowledge of birds isn’t necessary to take part in the Atlas; even if you just know the common species where you live, you can help. If you can identify birds by ear, we also need people to do point counts. To find out more about how to become an Atlas volunteer, contact the Kalamazoo Nature Center at miatlas@naturecenter.org or via telephone at (269) 381-1574 ext. 12.

Important Information

 

 

Volunteer Sign Up Sheet and Order Form 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bird Checklist Form

                                                                            

Additional Resources                          

 

Species Breeding Season Dates             

 

Species Codes                                    

 

Windshield Sign for Observers              

 

 

 

Warblings From the Atlas Newsletter