Ready to hear some owls?
Atlasers throughout Wisconsin will be donning their headlamps and heading out for some night birding during Nocturnal Atlasing Week, April 21–29. This time window coincides with an early peak in owl calling, and is a good time to try to hear Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, Eastern Screech-Owls, and Northern Saw-whet Owls, plus other crepuscular birds like American Woodcock.
Why are we atlasing at night?
At least two night visits are required for a block to be considered complete, but many lack this one simple requirement. By working together, we can greatly grow the number of blocks considered complete very quickly.
How can you help?
There are several ways to join in on our Nocturnal Atlasing Week Efforts.
1) Join us on one of evening field trips scheduled throughout the week:
- April 21: Richland County - Night sounds of West Branch of the Pine River
- April 21: Shawano / Waupaca County - Night sounds of Navarino State Wildlife Area
- April 22: Waukesha County - Nocturnal Atlasing at Vernon Marsh SWA
- April 25: Dodge - Horicon Marsh Night Atlasing
- April 29: Ashland - Night Atlasing Trip
2) Contact your County Coordinator to ask if there are any group outings occurring in your area that may not have made it onto the big calendar.
3) Grab your flashlight and head out into a nearby block on your own (or with a friend)!
Want some tips before you go? Be sure to review our handy Guide to Nocturnal Atlasing Series before heading out.
Guide to Nocturnal Atlasing: Part I — An Overview
Guide to Nocturnal Atlasing: Part II — A Detailed How-to
Guide To Nocturnal Atlasing: Part III – Tips for Target Species
Guide To Nocturnal Atlasing: Part IV – More Wisconsin Night Sounds