A group of Oregon birders has initiated a statewide Breeding Bird Atlas
Project, beginning this year. We invite any Washington birders who visit
Oregon this summer to let us know in advance so we can send them a free
atlas packet, containing maps, checklists, and a handbook. The
commitment is minimal and very flexible ...just report presence/absence
of species (no counting of individual birds!) and if you happen to notice
it, any evidence of breeding (fledged young, etc.). No rigid procedures
to follow...basically, just birding the way you usually go birding.

Our Oregon effort differs from Washington's attempt to do a statewide
atlas, in that we've divided the state into just 430 atlas units, each
about 15 miles across, so that we can achieve complete coverage, rather
than surveying just a sample of units. Having been the compiler for the
Maine Breeding Bird Atlas (1978-1983), I think this approach makes the
most sense, especially for a state as large as Oregon. We've already
recruited over 200 Oregon birders to participate, and are optimistic on
obtaining good coverage in the 5 years of the project.

If you'll be visiting Oregon and would like us to mail you a packet,
either email me a note listing the nearest towns to where you'll be, or
call our toll-free phone number (1-800-440-5454) and leave the same
information on our tape.

Paul Adamus (adamusp at ucs.orst.edu)