Date: 4/7/26 9:10 am From: Ginger Langdon-Lassagne via groups.io <binzer...> Subject: [slocobirding] Bird Atlas Update and tips for better breeding codes
Hey folks! Bird Atlas Update!
Thank you again to everyone contributing to the California Bird Atlas. The latest edition of The Atlas Dispatch is now live. Click here <https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/news/atlas-dispatch-march-2026> for a full update, including Atlas-first breeding records, field highlights from across the state, and some truly incredible photos. One of the aspects of working towards the goals of the Atlas is the way it gives my birding new excitement & purpose. In this edition of The Atlas Dispatch, we have a few “mini-missions” for you to check out: 1) “tell someone new about the Atlas”; 2) “Atlas somewhere unexpected”; and 3) “Note how species are interconnected.”
I’d like to thank everyone for the effort in using the breeding codes correctly. One of the toughest things to determine is which code to use, when you see an actual nest. The guidance on this page is key: https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/about/breeding-codes
A word to the wise: woodpeckers and wrens are weird! ALL of our Woodpeckers, most of our Wrens (more data needed on Rock & Canyon Wrens), and also Scaly-breasted Munia & Verdin, build “decoy nests” that can be used for overnight roosting but never end up being used for eggs or nestlings! The code to use for Wrens seen carrying nesting material or Woodpeckers excavating a cavityis B — do not use the code CN for these species.
Another difficulty happens when we find a nest and an adjacent adult bird, but cannot see into the nest or hear any nestlings cheeping. Never jump to conclusions! It is only an Occupied Nest (ON) if it is an “...adult sitting in nest in incubating position, adult entering nest site and remaining, or exchange of incubation duties by the pair. This code is useful for nests high in trees, on cliffs, and in chimneys where the contents of the nest and incubating or brooding adult cannot be seen.” We have a lot of Cliff Swallows passing through the county on their way to points northward, and many of them are excitedly visiting nesting sites from past years’ breeding by other individuals - these should be coded “N” because no incubation of eggs is happening this early. Having said that, if you see behavior that you think could be indicating a case of super-early egg-laying or nestlings? Put those behaviors into documentation on your checklist: words, photos, audio or video are vital for this!
Thanks for all of your efforts! If you have any questions about the Atlas or the breeding codes, or just want to chat about a fun breeding behavior you observed, feel free to email me, anytime.
