Highlights and Statistics
- Nearly 2,000 dedicated birdwatchers contributed to the surveys of breeding birds
- Every one of the state’s 4,937 blocks was surveyed during the period from 2004–2009.
- Over 106,952 volunteer field hours and another 34,192 administrative hours comprised the effort
- The current distribution and changes since the first Atlas were mapped in detail for 190 breeding birds in Pennsylvania (see Results – Species Maps)
- In addition, a rigorous, innovative point-count bird survey protocol was conducted at more than 34,000 locations statewide, providing additional data on population size.
- The published work (see Purchase tab) provides a stunning compilation of information, including species accounts illustrated by an impressive photograph, up to three maps per species, a chart showing 40-year population trends, introductory chapters, and hundreds of tables and charts.
Species highlights
- Confirmed breeding in the state for the first time: Merlin, Great Black-backed Gull, and Eurasian Collared-Dove.
- Expanded their range dramatically: Canada Goose, Wild Turkey, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, and Hooded Warbler.
- Declined precipitously: Summer Tanager, Black Tern, Common Nighthawk, Blue-winged Teal, and Northern Bobwhite.
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Estimated to have greater than 3 million pairs nesting within the state: Red-eyed Vireo, Chipping Sparrow, and Song Sparrow.