Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

Only by knowing where birds nest, and in what numbers, can conservation
be practiced. A breeding-bird atlas deals with species distribution and
evidence of breeding (nests or young), and presents a mass of data in a
visual form. The Maritime Atlas is the result of over eight years of
work by more than 1000 volunteers and staff at several government
ministries. Computer-aided mapping brings an unprecedented level of
accuracy and detail to the task.

In addition to the 214 distribution maps and species counts, the book
includes notes on geographic, biological, cultural, and other factors
that influence bird distribution; information on historical changes in
bird population numbers; a forecast of each species’ future prospects;
characteristics of various species; sketches; and interpretations of the
data.

Each map distinguishes between confirmed and probable or possible
breeding evidence, and shows the distribution (by month) for eggs and
young. Those factors that made the data collection in any way unusual
are noted. To make the breeding distribution maps more meaningful,
same-scale maps of elevation contours, forest types, farm land, human
population, and so forth, are provided on parchment. These are
perforated so they can be removed and used as overlays, making the
relationship between breeding distribution and other factors visually
apparent.

Population estimates and maps perform the valuable task of
“flagging” species that require immediate protection, either because
of low numbers or limited geographic distribution. The Atlas will be a
key reference for agencies and individuals concerned with conservation.