Date: 8/9/26 9:09 am From: lathrotriccus via groups.io <lathrotriccus...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Check-in on participation in CA Breeding Bird Atlas project (SMM)
Hi folks,
After a brief exchange on the LA Co./CA BBA WhatsApp group about it, I was curious to see how many local eBird checklists are coming in via the CA BBA portal in an area I'm familiar with (Santa Monica Mtns.).
I did a quick scan using the eBird "Explore Hotspots" function, and here's what I found (as of 9 Aug 2026): (no particular order)
Topanga State Park 22 checklists since 1 Mar 2026 13 observers 1 checklist part of CABBA (4.5%) 0 other checklists with breeding codes
Paramount Ranch 21 checklists since 1 Mar 2026 27 observers (incl. shared) 9 checklists part of CABBA (43%) 0 other checklists with breeding codes
Cheseboro Cyn. 8 checklists since 1 Mar 2026 11 observers 1 checklist part of CABBA (12.5%) 0 other checklists with breeding codes
Leo Carrillo SP (grouped with LCSP - seawatch) 56 checklists since 1 Mar 2026 41 observers 12 part of CABBA (21%) 0 other checklists with breeding codes
Griffith Park - Fern Dell 21 checklists since 1 Mar 2026 10 observers 10 part of CABBA (48%) 0 other checklists with breeding codes
Serrania Ave. Park (Woodland Hills) 7 checklists since 1 Mar 2026 6 observers 2 part of CABBA (28.5%) 0 other checklists with breeding codes
Franklin Canyon Park 32 checklists since 1 Mar 2026 7 observers 1 part of CABBA (3.1%) 0 other checklists with breeding codes
Conclusions: 1. Participation is highly variable by site (as it is w/ eBird in general). 2. People *not* submitting via the BBA portal tend to not include breeding codes (thus, it will be hard to "elevate" their sightings beyond PO/PR into Confirmed unless they decide to go back and edit them). 3. Sites more popular with birders (by total eBird checklists submitted) don't necessarily have a higher rate of BBA participation (e.g. Leo Carrillo, which includes the seawatch) 4. Many long-time/"familiar name" birders (at least to me) are not using the BBA portal.
Methods notes: Total checklists *don't* include shared lists (2+ observers shared lists during same visit); these were counted as single list if done concurrently Total observers *do* include shared lists (two birders submitting together counts as two birders) I haven't had a second cup of coffee yet, so your counts may differ.
