Atlas Breeding Season starts on Friday

In the York region we are well covered for tetrad visits already although one focus for the atlas is to complete those that are still outstanding.

However, the key focus is to capture breeding evidence for most species across the region; it is especially important to get the confirmed breeding evidence. It is easier to say what has been covered rather than where the gaps are.

The following species have confirmed breeding in all of the 10km squares in the region: Moorhen, Woodpigeon, Swallow, House Martin, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow.

And here's a list of species that are almost complete across the region: Mallard - needs evidence in SE53, SE66; Lapwing - SE53, SE73; Barn Owl - SE56, SE57; Wren - SE73; Coal Tit - SE56, SE64; Jackdaw - SE53, SE66; Chaffinch - SE77.

All other species need breeding evidence in at least three 10km squares.

There are some tools on the website that will also help you to target the species which are missing from the squares or need a higher level of evidence: see previous posting about 'My Local Gaps' and 'Priority Squares'. 'Any square summary' is also a useful resource.