We’re now in the Late Winter period for the Connecticut Bird Atlas (January and February). As with the Early Winter period (November and December), all observations of birds in a given block are of importance to the Atlas. The link to the Atlas winter surveys is here: http://www.ctbirdatlas.org/Surveys_winter.htm The primary method of gathering data on birds within a block is the Timed One-Hour Survey: http://www.ctbirdatlas.org/Surveys_winter_timed.htm. In this survey, 5 to 10 localities are selected to represent the range of habitat types within the block, and they are visited for timed one-hour periods. If 5 localities are identified, visit each spot twice in early winter and again in late winter. If so many as 10 localities are identified, carry out your 10 one-hour surveys in early winter and again in late winter. The statewide goal is to assemble 20 hours of field time in winter (November through February) for each Atlas Block. There are other surveys of importance, including the Inland Lakes and Ponds Survey; the Coastal Shorelines, Major Rivers, and Large Lakes Survey; Nocturnal and High Tide Roosts; and of course, Incidental Sightings. Check the Atlas website for details on conducting these surveys. A total of 601 Atlas Blocks cover the state, and many have received extensive winter coverage. Some blocks have minimal coverage to date, and many blocks remain with no submitted records. Now is a good time for block adopters to get out in the field to make observations of late winter birds. Submit reports to eBird and share them with CT bird atlas, or send them in on the Winter Survey Field Cards available at the Atlas website. If you have reached the minimum 10 hours of late winter field work, consider birding in a block that has not yet received coverage. Happy New Year, and Good Birding, Steve Broker Cheshire