May 9, 2016 (Sackville, New Brunswick) – Birds Canada and partners, including Environment and Climate Change Canada, have published the most comprehensive and current book on the status of the birds of the Maritimes – their distribution, abundance, habitats and conservation. Book launches will be held in key Maritimes locations in May.
The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces is beautifully illustrated with over 250 colour photographs and 800 vibrant maps. Narratives for each bird species reveal the patterns, stories, and variety of nature in the Maritimes. The book contains detailed information on the region’s breeding birds, their habitats, and factors influencing birds on the landscape. The results, available in both official languages, will be appreciated not only by conservation managers and policymakers, but also by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
“The new Maritimes breeding bird atlas is a beautiful book, something I feel all the contributors – volunteers, scientists, photographers, and editors alike – should be very proud of,” said Dr. Laura Tranquilla, Atlantic Program Manager for Birds Canada.
The atlas is the product of one of the largest wildlife monitoring efforts ever undertaken in the region. The project involved 48,000 hours of survey efforts by 1300 birdwatchers over a five-year period (2006-2010). These citizen scientists set out to document the region’s diverse breeding bird communities and submitted 260,000 records for 222 species of breeding birds.
“Environment and Climate Change Canada is pleased to have contributed to the Maritimes Breeding Birds Atlas that will support conservation efforts for years to come,” said the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “This unique Atlas is an important tool for local wildlife groups, academia and our Canadian Wildlife Service by greatly enhancing our understanding of breeding birds in the area.”
Book launch events are coming soon to key Maritimes locations. A main book launch will be held in Sackville, NB (10 May), with additional stops in Charlottetown PEI (May 7), Wolfville NS (12 May), Halifax NS (13 May), Saint John NS (May 16) Fredericton NB (19 May) and Dalhousie NB (27-28 May). Books will be available for sale while supplies last. Online orders can also be taken at www.mba-aom.ca.
The Maritimes breeding bird atlas is the result of a major partnership by Birds Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, and regional natural history groups.
Birds Canada is Canada’s leading national charitable organization dedicated to bird science and conservation.
Media Contact:
Laura McFarlane Tranquilla
Atlantic Program Manager
Birds Canada
506-364-5047
ltranquilla@birdscanada.org
www.birdscanada.org
