New Page 1

Q: I was assigned an Atlas block last year. Why are you asking me to request the block again on-line?

A: The Atlas II web site is volunteer driven. It is important that each volunteer register and request block assignment on-line so that the Atlas II Administrative team has the most updated information. Requesting the block on-line will facilitate the entry entry process and will insure that blocks are not accidentally assigned to more than one volunteer.

Q: I did not collect data in my block last year. Should I wait until I have data to request my block on-line?

A: If you have been assigned a block and plan to collect data in that block, please claim your block on-line as soon as possible. Once all assigned blocks have been claimed on-line, it will be easier for volunteers to select and request new blocks. This is one of the user-friendly features of the web site. Volunteers can select regions where they want to work and look for blocks that have the habitats or characteristics they want.

Q: When I enter my data on the website, some species are flagged as rare that I know are expected in the area. Do you expect me to submit verification forms for these species?

A: If you believe a species that is flagged as regionally rare is actually expected in your area, indicate that in the notes for the species by writing “expected at location.” The Regional Coordinator will either accept the record as submitted or request additional details. If a verification form is not requested by the Regional Coordinator or Project Manager, you can assume the record has been accepted.

Q: What should I do about latitude and longitude coordinates for regionally rare or statewide rare species if I did not record the coordinates in the field.

A: If you do not believe a species is “unexpected” in your area, omit the latitude and longitude. When you click submit, you will see a yellow highlighted message, “I'll input any missing required notes or coordinates later.” Click the box next to the message, and click “Submit” again. If upon review, the Regional Coordinator or Project Manager believes coordinates are needed, you will be contacted.

Q: What if a species is truly unexpected in the region, but I don’t have the latitude and longitude coordinates?

A: Use the plotting tool on the website to help you pinpoint the approximate location on a map. The plotting tool gives you the option of viewing a topo, aerial photo, or street map. Once you plot the location, the website automatically fills in the latitude and longitude coordinates.

Q: I tried to enter some observations that were outside of the “safe dates,” but the web site wouldn’t accept them. What should I do?

A: The website will allow you to submit data outside of “safe dates” only if the observed breeding code is within the “confirmed” or “probable” categories. For “possible” or “observed” data that fall outside of "safe dates", please mark the observation on your field card using one of two methods:

1) Highlight the observation on your field card using a pink highlighter marker.

2) Use a blue or black pen to draw an asterisk to the left of the observation on your field card

Q: The is no place to enter abundance codes on the website. How do I enter these data?

A: Please enter your abundance codes in the "notes" section, located on the same page as the habitat codes and latitude/longitude coordinates.

Q: When a block has been recorded as complete on the web site, can I still enter observations?

A: Yes. If you live in the block or spend time in the block for other reasons, you are encouraged to enter additional observations.