Hi Everyone, I just wanted to let everyone know that the interactive priority block map has been updated and is back up and running. This map shows ALL priority survey blocks of the Ohio Breeding Bird Atlas with the current number of species recorded in each. The other valuable feature of this map is that it shows county borders for a more convenient frame of reference. To view the map, go to the OBBA2 website (http://ohiobirds.org/obba2/). From the Home Page, click on... - 'Atlas Blocks' (on the left menu bar) - Then click 'Priority Blocks List' - Towards the bottom of this page, click on 'Priority Block Map' For a bit of background info, OBBA2 Priority Blocks were those that were surveyed during the first Ohio Breeding Bird Atlas (Peterjohn & Rice; 1982-1987). In order to meet the OBBA2 objective of assessing changes in Ohio nesting bird distributions, each of these ~750 survey blocks needs adequate survey coverage during the current Atlas project. During 2008, priority blocks saw significant increases in survey coverage statewide. But, there's still plenty that needs to be done in order to meet our objectives. This updated map is a great tool for highlighting areas that still need survey coverage. - Scroll over any Atlas block on the map to reveal its Block ID... - Click on each block to open up its profile at our data entry website. - From the profile page, view current species lists, species lists from the previous atlas project, and download printable PDF maps for each block. Some quick number crunching reveals that 24% of priority blocks (183) have not received any survey coverage. These "orphaned" blocks occupy counties across the state. Counties like Defiance, Paulding, Allen, Seneca, Gallia, and Jefferson show noticeable lacks in survey efforts...I can guarantee that each of these counties offer some fantastic summer birding. In addition, 16% of priority blocks (121) have received low levels of survey coverage...under 25 species recorded. Have a look. I encourage all Ohio birders to take a look at this map to see if there are areas where they can contribute some survey efforts. Anyone can participate in the breeding bird atlas. Not familiar with what OBBA2 is all about? To concisely sum it up... ...atlas participation is very similar to covering a Christmas Bird Count territory... ...with the exception that you are paying more attention to what each bird is doing as opposed to keeping a precise tally of each species you encounter. Please contact us to learn more about the Ohio Breeding Bird Atlas II. We'll get you whatever information that you might need. Good birding! Aaron Boone Project Coordinator Ohio Breeding Bird Atlas II [log in to unmask] (614) 247-6458 ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. Additional discussions can be found in our forums, at www.ohiobirds.org/forum/. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]