Synopses & Reviews
Twenty years after the first
Atlas of Breeding Birds in Pennsylvania was published, the S
econd Atlas of Breeding Birds in Pennsylvania brings our knowledge of the state’s bird populations up to date, documenting current distribution and changes in status for nearly two hundred bird species. More than two thousand dedicated birdwatchers completed surveys of birds across the state from 2004 to 2009. The data amassed reveal the distribution of each species and show changes in distribution since the publication of the first
Atlas. Additionally, a highly trained survey crew carried out bird counts at more than 34,000 locations statewide. These counts tabulated not just species but individual birds as well, in a manner that—for the very first time—enabled precise estimates of the actual statewide populations for more than half of the 190 breeding species detected. In all, more than 1.5 million sightings were compiled for the second
Atlas, providing an unprecedented snapshot of the bird life of Pennsylvania—and perhaps of any comparably sized region in the world.
The introductory chapters to the second Atlas describe and discuss recent changes in climate and bird habitats within Pennsylvania. The data gathered and summarized for this volume were used by the more than forty contributing authors to write comprehensive and authoritative accounts of each species. These accounts are illustrated by stunning photographs, usually taken somewhere within the state. Up to three maps per species show in fine detail their current distribution based on the second Atlas, changes in distribution since the first Atlas, and, for more than one hundred species, their abundance in Pennsylvania.
Review
“[A] definitive reference and rich source of information for anybody interested in the nesting birds of Pennsylvania.”
—Pennsylvania Birds
Review
“A must-have for those with an interest in the birds of Pennsylvania.”
—The Birdbooker Report, The Birdbooker Report
About the Author
Andrew M. Wilson is Visiting Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at Gettysburg College.
Daniel W. Brauning is an ornithologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Robert S. Mulvihill is Conservation Outreach Manager at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh.
Table of Contents
ContentsForeword
Acknowledgments
Regional Coordinators
Atlas Volunteers
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: The Geography of Pennsylvania
Andrew M. Wilson
Chapter 3: Habitats and Habitat Change
Andrew M. Wilson, Margaret Brittingham and Joe Bishop
Chapter 4: Atlas Methods
Daniel W. Brauning, Mike Lanzone, and Andrew M. Wilson
Chapter 5: Analytical Methods
Andrew M. Wilson
Chapter 6: Coverage and Results
Andrew M. Wilson and Daniel W. Brauning
Chapter 7: Contributions to Conservation
Douglas A. Gross, Sarah Sargent, and Catherine D. Haffner
Chapter 8: Interpreting Species Accounts
Chapter 9: Species Accounts
Appendix A. Former Nesting Species
Appendix B. Common and Scientific Names of Plants and Animals
Appendix C. Summary of Atlas Results by Physiographic Province and Section
Appendix D. Habitat Associations
Appendix E. Analytical Methods - Statistical Details
Appendix F. Summary of Breeding Season Data
Literature Cited
Index