Atlas-3 2025 Kick-off - April 26th & 27th!
Interested in Birds?
Help us kick off the final year of data collection for Atlas-3 this April, at our in-person kick-off event weekend! The event will focus on an introduction to Atlas-3 and how to best get involved. It is also a great way to meet fellow Atlassers, get hands-on training from experts, and ask questions in person to better prepare yourself for the upcoming season. Experience is not required, enthusiasm is!
Atlas HQ Events
Atlas HQ will be hosting three in-person kick-off events this spring. On Saturday, April 26th, join us at either the Huron Natural Area in Kitchener or the Little Cataraqui Creek Outdoor Centre in Kingston. A third event will take place at Canatara Park in Sarnia on Sunday, April 27th. Registration is required and spots are limited! Click here to register. Not near Kitchener, Kingston, or Sarnia? Check below for other regional events hosted by Atlas Regional Coordinators!
Location Details & Registration
Little Cataraqui Creek Outdoor Centre
Saturday, April 26, 2025 (9:00AM – 12:00PM)
Directions: 1641 Perth Rd, Glenburnie, ON K0H 1S0
Huron Natural Area
Saturday, April 26, 2025 (9:30AM – 12:30PM)
Directions: 801 Trillium Dr, Kitchener, ON N2R 1K4
Canatara Park
Sunday, April 27, 2025 (9:30AM – 12:30PM)
Directions: Lake Chipican Dr, Sarnia, ON N7V 1K8
Atlas HQ Event Agenda
1 – Welcome (15 minutes)
2 – Recap of Atlas-3 project overview, coverage goals (30 minutes)
3 – Split up into small group sessions: Using the app, special surveys, point counts, Zoom units, breeding evidence codes, atlassing basics (1.5 hours)
4 – Filling local coverage gaps (15 minutes)
5 – Recap, questions, door prizes (30 minutes)
6 – Departure
Don’t forget to dress for the weather, bring your Atlassing gear (binoculars, notebooks, smartphone, other technology, etc.) and questions. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided
Virtual Presentations
New to the Atlas or looking for some refreshers? Check out our “Getting started with Atlas-3” playlist. It’s a short series of recorded presentations (<10 minutes) that go through all the Atlas basics!
Regional Events
Can’t make it to Kitchener, Kingston, or Sarnia? No problem! Many regions will be hosting their own local events either on the kick-off weekend or in the weeks following.
| Region | Details |
|---|---|
|
29 – North Bay |
Description: We will be meeting outdoors in early May, at a location yet to be determined, to talk about the Atlas project and how people can participate. We will take a short walk and demonstrate how to use the NatureCounts app to record and submit a checklist. Location: TBD Date/time: TBD How to register: Contact Grant McKercher at grant.mckercher705@gmail.com |
|
24 – Ottawa |
Description: Join us in-store for a special presentation with Aaron Hywarren, Ottawa Regional Coordinator for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. Learn how this incredible province-wide community science initiative is tracking Ontario’s approximately 300 breeding bird species and how you can be part of it — right from your backyard, cottage, or favourite trail. This engaging talk will focus on the Ottawa Region, where over 250 local volunteers have already recorded 198 species. Discover how your bird sightings — even a cardinal at the feeder — can contribute valuable data toward conservation efforts. Free to attend – no registration required, but seating is limited. Light refreshments and a selection of delicious treats from our new neighbours at Lusa Bakery will be provided while you learn about the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. Location: Wild Birds Unlimited Kanata, 420 Hazeldean Road Unit 11, Kanata, ON, Canada K2L 4B2 Date/time: May 1, 2025 (630PM to 8PM) How to register: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AZyfz1jgm/ |
|
24 – Ottawa |
Description: Introduction to the Atlas and Getting Started in the Ottawa Region. With peak breeding season imminent, the final year of the Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas is about to kick into high gear. Participation in this province-wide community-science effort is straight-forward, and as easy as simply noting the presence of a bird. If you have registered as a participant and want to get started, this virtual meeting on Zoom is for you. This meeting will also be a great opportunity for individuals who have heard about the Atlas and are curious about how they can contribute to this once in a generation opportunity to provide data that will help shape conservation efforts for years to come. The meeting will commence at 1930 on Wednesday April 30 2025 and will provide an Introduction to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas in the Ottawa Region, explain how to share your observations, and entertain questions. Those seeking a bit of a refresher on data entry will also find this meeting useful. Please contact Aaron Hywarren (Ottawa Regional Coordinator) at Ottawa@birdsontario.org for meeting details including access passcode. For those who cannot attend on this date, a second session will be offered, time/date TBC. Location: Zoom (online meeting) Date/time: April 30, 2025 (730PM to 9PM) How to register: Contact Aaron Hywarren at Ottawa@birdsontario.org |
|
24 – Ottawa |
Description: Let’s commence the final year of the Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas in the Ottawa Region by welcoming new participants and celebrating the many accomplishments of observers across the Region. Bring your Atlas questions or bring your Atlas adventures to our final Ottawa Region 24 informal meet and greet from 0830 to 1000 on Sunday 4 May 25 at the Shirleys Bay Boat Launch. Location: Shirleys Bay (Shelter at Boat launch) Date/time: May 4, 2025 (830AM to 10AM) How to register: Contact Aaron Hywarren at Ottawa@birdsontario.org |
|
31/32 – Sudbury |
Description: Kick off Year 5 with a morning of birding and banding. Location: TBD Date/time: May 10, 2025 (7AM to 12PM) How to register: Contact sudbury@birdsontario.org |
|
47 – Wellington |
Description: Join Marlene for a bird walk and a discussion about the areas to focus on for Year 5 of the atlas. We will go on a short walk focused on breeding codes and discuss what we hope to accomplish in OBBA Year 5 in Wellington Region 47. There will be some light refreshments (tea and coffee and cookies), please bring a reusable cup. Location: The Guelph Enabling Garden in Riverside Park (709 Woolwich St, Guelph, ON) https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ay8K4ThaTpwHH8XV8 Date/time: May 3, 2025 (9AM to 10:30AM) How to register: Contact wellington@birdsontario.org |