Earlier in 2024 Pennsylvania birders of all ages and skill levels began working together to map the breeding and status of bird species in the state as part of the 3rd Pennsylvania Bird Atlas (PBA3), a 5-year-long survey that will end February 2029.
The PBA3 will include Pennsylvania’s first Winter Atlas which will set an important baseline for data on the distribution and abundance of the state’s winter avifauna.
The Winter Survey began December 1, 2024, and most of the data will be collected by volunteers. For directions on how to participate in the Winter Survey, get the Winter Atlas Volunteer Handbook, read how to complete Winter Priority Blocks and conduct Winter Water Surveys specifically for the Winter Atlas, watch the recording of November’s Atlas Town Hall - Introduction to Winter Atlas.
This project is supported by the PA Game Commission (PGC), headquartered at Hawk Mountain, and facilitated by Cornell Lab’s eBird online tools. The PGC initiated this project to update the information they need to prioritize conservation actions and to protect the birds of Pennsylvania. Findings will guide conservation for years to come. Read the PA Bird Atlas 3 Volunteer Handbook to learn how to participate during the other seasons.
In addition to volunteers, Pennsylvania Bird Atlas is hiring a team of seasonal point count technicians to conduct surveys throughout Pennsylvania during the summer of 2025.
Deadline to Apply to be a Paid Seasonal Research Technician for Pennsylvania Bird Atlas: April 18, 2025, but applications will be reviewed upon receipt
Employment Dates: May 19 – mid July 2025
Preference will be given to applicants with previous point count experience and eBird experience. Prior birding experience need not be through a paid position, but ability to identify birds of Pennsylvania by sight and sound required.
Read all the job details and how to apply here.