 An Ongoing Monitoring Project
The Atlas is one of Birds Australia 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. Since 1998 a dedicated band of over 7000 atlasers 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.
Atlasers have many opportunities to contribute, be it through repeat surveys or as part of general atlasing. The continued growth of the Atlas depends upon the enthusiasm of existing Atlasers 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.
To support our atlassers and the ongoing Atlas, Birds Australia has launched 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 electronic data entry point for those that wish to use it.
Atlas resources Atlas Starter Kit (920kb)
 Atlas Habitat Kit (729kb)
Volunteer newsletter for the latest atlas news (619kb)
Order more
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Applications of the Atlas Project
Aims of the Atlas ProjectGeneral
• 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 two hectare area for 20 minutes
• We encourage you to survey your selected area once each season for at least one year
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 500 m, or a large Area Search, extending beyond 500 m but within 5 km 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
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at the Birds Australia National Office, 03 9347 0757, or make use of the resources below.
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Conservation 
