Atlas & Birdata - Birds Australia

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Atlas & Birdata

An Ongoing Monitoring Project

The Atlas is one of Birds Australia's greatest resources, allowing us to track changes in birds across the country. Atlas data forms the basis for research such as The State of Australia's Birds Report. Since 1998 a dedicated band of over 7000 atlassers have amassed over 420,000 surveys, comprising over 7.1 million bird records.

Unlike most Atlases conducted around the world which collect data in grids, observers are asked to give the precise coordinates of where they undertook their survey. Knowing this information adds greatly to the value of the data and allows observers to go back to that precise location and conduct repeat surveys. With large numbers of observers collecting data, the Atlas provides a good insight into the changes in bird populations over time.

Atlassers have many opportunities to contribute, be it through repeat surveys or as part of general atlassing. The continued growth of the Atlas depends upon the enthusiasm of existing Atlassers and the recruitment of new observers. Just about anyone with an interest in birds can make an important contribution to our knowledge of Australian birds by getting involved in the project.

Birdata

To support our atlassers and the ongoing Atlas, Birds Australia has developed Birdata. This is a new web site devoted to the Atlas where atlassers can enter new data and gain feedback about their surveys and sites.

Birdata isn't just about data entry. At its core is sophisticated software that maps the distribution of every Australian bird. General birdlists for any part of the country are also available by clicking on the Birdata map.

Atlassers should note that the paper Atlas forms will continue to be used. Birdata provides an easy electronic data entry point for those that wish to use it.

Aims of the Atlas Project

General

Collect and analyse data on the distribution and relative abundance of Australia's bird species
Compare the distribution and abundance of bird species to the previous Atlas
Collect information on rare and threatened bird species
Involve the community in the conservation and monitoring of birds

Specific

Establish a foundation set of sites to explore relationships between birds and land management practices
To see how birds respond to changes in habitat
Investigate the effect of tree planting and revegetation programs on birds
Establish a foundation set of sites to monitor birds, including Ramsar sites and selected sites in a Directory of Important Wetlands
Examine regional and seasonal variation in the occurrence of bird species

Atlas Search Methods

2-ha Search

This is our preferred method
Search a 2 hectare area for 20 minutes
We encourage you to survey your selected area once each season for at least one year

Fixed-route Monitoring

Choose a survey route. This survey route is a repeated sequence of activities in time and space. It is a combination of location, timing and effort (i.e. is it you alone, you and three friends, you on a bicycle?)
Survey that route with roughly the same effort at least once a month
Enter the data in Birdata and identify the route as a long-term monitoring route
Enter enough information about location, timing and effort that someone else could do the same thing. This may involve the use of GPS
Enter some basic habitat data and make notes of substantive changes to the site, if any
If in doubt, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 03 9347 0757.

For more detailed information and FAQs on this new atlassing method

click here.

Area Search

The Area Search is more flexible than the 2-ha Search -- you can search any area listing the birds seen around a central point
You may do a small Area Search, within 500m, or a large Area Search, extending beyond 500m but within 5km of a central point
The search area can be any shape
Search for at least 20 minutes, but not more than one week

Incidental Search

Records of rare, uncommon or unusual species, seen as once-off sightings
Surveys of a specific group of birds, such as wetland birds, waders, or waterfowl

Volunteer for the Atlas

If you would like to become an atlasser please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at the Birds Australia National Office, 03 9347 0757, or make use of the resources below.