Since its origination in 1966, the nearly all volunteer North American
Breeding Bird Survey has become the primary source of long-term,
large-scale population data for over 400 of North America’s breeding
bird species.

Now, in preparation for a major data expansion, the BBS is seeking
local volunteers to aide in a one day inventory of its historic paper
data archive.  This is an important step to precede the digital
scanning that will allow researchers and the public to access
archived stop count data tracing back to the program’s inception.

Volunteers will convene at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge at
9AM on Saturday, July 25.  An exclusive behind-the-scenes-tour of the
ordinarily closed to the public research facilities (including site
history, visit to Screech-owl colony, Sea Duck facility, etc.) will
follow for the group at 2PM.  Light snacks and beverages will be
provided throughout the morning and participants are asked to bring a
bagged lunch.

If you are willing to lend a hand with this important project, **please
contact Tiffanie Powell-Kommeren at  for
details and exact meeting location**.

Cheers, 
Dave Ziolkowski
Laurel, MD