In 1974 the Massachusetts Audubon Society and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife launched a statewide five-year survey to map the distribution of the breeding birds of the Common-wealth -- the first such comprehensive effort in North America. During this period hundreds of volunteers spent countless hours in the field, ultimately confirming 198 breeding species. This Atlas is the published record of that survey. It contains distribution maps showing "possible," "probable," or "confirmed" breeding records for Massachusetts' nesting species on a grid of 989 blocks. Opposite each map is a summary account giving historical perspective, relative abundance, habitat, seasonal schedule, song, nest and egg descriptions, clutch size, egg dates, number of broods, and other pertinent details relating to the breeding and distribution of the species in question. An appendix gives brief accounts of bird species known to breed in Massachusetts before and/or after, but not "confirmed" during, the Atlas survey period. Eight transparent overlay maps can be aligned with the species maps to correlate breeding bird distribution with Massachusetts ecoregions, forest types, elevations, political boundaries, and more. Every full species account is accompanied by an accurate and beautiful watercolor portrait by naturalist-artist John Sill or Barry W. Van Dusen. This volume provides in an accessible format a baseline record against which changes in the status of Massachusetts breeding birds can be measured. In addition, it is a handsomely illustrated and informative work that anyone with an interest in birds will want to own.
