Every time you look up, you have the chance to make a real difference for California’s wild birds. As flowers bloom and birds stake out their territories, your observations could turn a relaxing walk outside into meaningful action for conservation.
Bird Rescue is proud to partner with the California Bird Atlas to support the state’s first comprehensive statewide Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA). This landmark initiative is a multi-year effort to document the distribution, timing, and breeding behavior of every bird species in California, a state that boasts more breeding bird species than any other in the United States.
While other states have conducted at least one statewide BBA, California has historically relied on county-level projects. Although these efforts produced valuable insights, only 15 of the state’s 58 counties have published Atlases. This new statewide effort fills that gap, providing critical data to guide bird conservation for decades to come. Fieldwork for the California Breeding Bird Atlas began on January 1, 2026, and will continue through December 31, 2030.
How to Join
Participating is simple and open to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned birder or just enjoy noticing the birds around you. First, you’ll need to create a free eBird Account if you don’t already have one. Next, visit ebird.org/atlascalifornia and select “Join Project.” This connects your observations directly to the statewide atlas effort.
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The BBA is fully integrated with the eBird mobile app. You can also submit checklists by entering your observation details and clicking “Submit” on the California Bird Atlas eBird site. For resources, basic guidance, and everything you need to begin contributing to this statewide initiative, visit the California Bird Atlas FAQ page.
Spotting Breeding Behavior
Participating in the BBA isn’t just about seeing birds, it’s about observing what they do. Even if you don’t see a nest directly, noting these behaviors helps map where breeding is happening and when.
Breeding Plumage: Many birds develop brighter or special feathers during the breeding season. Look for vivid colors, striking patterns, or ornamental feathers, which can indicate a bird is ready to mate.
Territorial Behavior: Birds that chase rivals, call loudly, or act aggressively toward other wildlife are often signaling that a nest is close by.
Courtship Displays: Look for singing, aerial chasing, or performing special movements on the ground or water. You might also see pairs staying close together, showing off certain postures, or one bird offering food to the other.
Nest Building: Birds gathering materials or arranging a nest is a clear sign of breeding activity.
Carrying Food: Adults bringing food to a location, often returning repeatedly, usually means they are feeding chicks nearby.
Eggs or Nestlings: Seeing eggs or young birds in a nest indicates active breeding.
Why Observing Birds Matters
Healthy birds thriving in their natural habitats tell an important story about ecosystem health, and that’s at the heart of why this work matters. By observing birds where they live and nest, we build a clearer picture of how species are adapting in a changing world, especially as more birds establish homes in urban environments where they face new risks. These observations help generate the science needed to guide habitat protection, restoration, and long-term conservation planning. As we celebrate our 55th anniversary year, stay tuned for even more ways for supporters to turn concern into action for birds.
By observing birds in the wild and contributing data, you help strengthen the connection between conservation and rescue.
If you encounter a bird that appears injured, orphaned, or in distress, reach out to our Bird Helpline at 866-SOS-BIRD (866-767-2473) to ensure it receives the help it needs.