BIRDS & HABITAT
The Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS), in cooperation
with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and other
conservation groups, has begun a second 5-year Breeding Bird
Atlas Project covering all of Maryland and the District of
Columbia
(DC). This project will map in detail the distribution
of all bird species that breed in Maryland and DC, with
primarily
volunteer help.
Human activities have profound effects on
the natural world upon which the survival of all living
things, including people, depends. It is crucial to have
an historical and continuing record of the status of natural
communities (in this case, birds) with which to compare and
contrast effects of future activities. Such data will be
valuable in assessing these changes and may serve a vital
function in land and habitat management planning by government,
industry, and individuals especially in areas where there
may be high environmental impact.
Birds are highly visible,
occupy a wide variety of habitats, and are very popular.
Birds are most dependent on their habitats during the nesting
season
because they require food and shelter for their
young as well as for themselves. Nesting distribution is
highly correlated with habitat; therefore, changes in the
amount, quality, or type of habitat in a region or state
can have a major impact on the presence or absence of bird
species. This second Atlas Project will reveal changes
in Maryland’s
and DC’s birdlife since 1987 when the first atlas
was completed.
“Landscapes, Birds and People: A Biodiversity
Primer”
This free CD-ROM shows how to approach the concept of
biodiversity using bird populations as the paradigm.
Contents include:
• A PowerPoint presentation (with extensive notes) which
introduces the relationship between birds, land use and
biodiversity
• A “How To” folder on the identification,
acquisition, interpretation and application of authentic
data from the Breeding Bird Survey, MD/DC Breeding Bird Atlas and
Classroom FeederWatch
• Pictures and information on over 100 species of birds
that may 
breed
in Kent County, MD
• Articles on the landscape history of the Chesapeake
watershed and the effects of global warming on bird populations
• List of relevant Maryland Core Learning Goals and
National Science Standards
• List of references
This CD-ROM is a useful source of information and ideas
for both elementary and secondary teachers. To receive
a copy,
contact Dr. Wayne Bell at 410- 810-7171 or wbell2@washcoll.edu.
Please include your address and the school or organization
to which you belong.
