Date: 3/9/26 9:11 am From: Van Pierszalowski via groups.io <van...> Subject: [CALBIRDS] California Bird Atlas Update + March 19 Town Hall
Birders,
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As many of you know, California’s first statewide Breeding Bird Atlas launched on January 1, 2026. In just over two months, the level of participation across the state has been remarkable. Breeding code use in January and February was up a staggering *+545%* over last year.
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As of March 9:
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42,885 checklists have been submitted to the Atlas
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2,538 atlasers have joined the project and submitted at least one checklist
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3,924 blocks have Atlas data
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All 58 counties have Atlas data
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By the end of January, 61 species had accepted Confirmed breeding codes. By the end of February, that number had risen to 102. The full February report is available in the latest edition of *the Atlas Dispatch ( https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/news/atlas-dispatch-feb-1-feb-28-2026 )*.
Participating is very similar to how you already use eBird, but opting into the Atlas ensures your observations become part of the permanent statewide dataset being built to guide conservation and land management decisions for decades to come.
We have been deeply encouraged by the number of individual donors stepping up to support the project. If you are able, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution *here ( https://donorbox.org/california-bird-atlas )*. Your support helps fund the infrastructure and coordination needed to sustain this statewide effort.
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Thank you all for joining the project. It has been inspiring to see the California birding community come together around this effort, and we are only just getting started.
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Happy Atlasing,
Van Pierszalowski
Executive Director, California Bird Atlas
<van...>
