The Summer Atlas of North American Birds

The North American Breeding Survey comprises a network of regularly censussed, road-based survey routes and constitutes the most comprehensive set of data on the relative abundance and population trends of these birds during the summer months. In this book, Jeff and Amy Price and Sam Droege have used these data to create detailed, computer-generated maps showing the relative abundance of 449 species that summer in the contiguous United States and southern Canada. Tabular information on distribution hotspots for these, and an additional 50 species too local in occurrence to map effectively, are also presented. The maps provide a baseline for future and more regionally based studies. Supporting chapters provide details on the survey methodology, the mapping procedures used, and some current concerns in North American bird conservation. The maps provide an unprecedented level of information, and far surpass the general picture given by distribution maps in field guides. For the first time, detailed occurrence and relative abundance of each species is provided. This is of great use to birders seeking to locate species of bird new to them, but also to everyone with an interest in and concern for, the health of North American bird populations. Ecologists, land managers, conservation agencies, environmental consultants, and land use planners will all benefit from this book. Key Features: Introduction to the Breeding Bird Survey. Foreword by Ken Kaufman, author of Advanced Birding. Description of the data analysis methods and map preparation techniques. More than 450 species maps, in two colors, showing where the birds are found in early summer, with four levels of relative abundance. A relative abundance map pinpointing the areas of highest species richness Tabular information for all 530 species, listing locations of routes with the highest abundance for each species. This table includes data for Northern Canada and Alaska, and area excluded from the maps. Text focusing on species of conservation concern and their changing populations in recent years Full indices and lists of scientific and common names.