Description
Book SynopsisFirst Place, Professional Reference Books, 25th Annual New York Book Show
Despite their small sizes, Maryland and Washington, DC, possess a vast range of environmentsfrom the high peaks of the Allegheny Ridges to the low marshes of the Chesapeake Bay. Home to 200 nesting bird species, these habitats are under constant threat from urban sprawl, changing farming practices, and the degradation of coastal wetlands. The Second Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Maryland and the District of Columbia documents the impact of these environmental changes on the region's bird population and discusses the recovery of the endangered Bald Eagle and the new confirmation of breeding by three speciesthe Common Merganser, the Ruddy Duck, and the Double-crested Cormorant.
Species accounts, each with a stunning color photograph, provide detailed coverage of the habitats, biology, and relative abundance of mid-Atlantic nesting birds. Up-to-date maps reflect changes in their breeding ranges and distributions over the past two decades. Of perhaps greatest value are the comparative analyses with data from the first statewide survey conducted in the 1980s.
Treasured by birdersand an invaluable reference for ornithologists, conservationists, and land use plannersthis book will significantly influence our understanding and management of avian species in the region for the next decade.
Trade ReviewAn invaluable reference... This book will significantly influence our understanding and management of avian species in the region for the next decade. A must have for birders of the region! -- Ian Paulson Guardian 2011 This is likely to remain the gold-standard reference on Maryland's birds-at least until a third atlas appears in, say, 2030. -- Scott Weidensaul Maryland Yellowthroat 2011 My favorite new naturalist reads these days if the 2nd Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Maryland and the District of Columbia. -- Stephanie Mason Audubon Naturalist News 2011
Table of ContentsForeword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Introduction
The History of Grid-based Ornithological Atlases
Procedures
Coverage
The Environment
Representative Maryland Habitats
Results
Conservation
Using the Species Accounts
Species Accounts
Additional Accounts of Potential Nesting Birds
Appendixes
A. Safe Dates for Maryland and DC Breeding Birds
B. Total Species per Block, First and Second Atlases
C. Quarterblock Results
D. Abundance Definitions
E. Nonavian Fauna Cited
F. Plants Cited
References
Index
