Monitoring bird population trends

The Breeding Bird Survey monitors annually the breeding populations of nearly 500 bird species by means of 2,000 random roadside counts of fifty 3-minute stops each. Results are computer-analyzed by State and Province, physiographic and geographic regions, and for the entire continent. Short- and long-term population changes are detected and maps showing distribution and relative abundance are prepared. A computerized bibliography of breeding bird censuses currently in preparation will permit retrieval of bird density data by bird species, plant community, and geographic location. These two programs will greatly facilitate management for nongame species.