I would like to add to Hans comments about the new Breeding Bird Atlas (I got my copy today). If you already have a copy you probably should just delete this email now. Congratulations to the 5 editors of this extraordinary work (Paul Rodewald, Matt Shumar, Aaron Boone, David Slager and Jim McCormac). As Hans already commented, this is going to be a very useful resource for those with an interest in Ohio's birds. It's good science presented in language we can all understand. I see the information in this Second Atlas as particularly valuable for Audubon chapters and their Partners working within the 66 Important Bird Areas (IBA's) in Ohio. These folks are working hard to conserve and improve bird habitat across the state and around the country for all us. The information the editors have compiled will be welcomed by all. As with a good field guide, the first part of this book (5 chapters) deserves our attention as much as the species accounts (Chapter 6). Here is a brief description: Chapter 1 covers some history of bird atlases in general and specifically in Ohio. Chapter 2 discusses Habitat and Environmental Features, making good use of maps for us more 'visual' learners. Geology - Major stream drainages - Vegetation - Elevation Chapter 3 presents the Survey Design and Analytical Methods use to gather and process data - there is a lot of heavy information here that most of us won't understand. However, on page 42 we see the flow of information for one species, Dickcissel, on 7 different map overlays, and can appreciate how that data got there. Chapter 4 summarizes the changes between OBBA one and OBBA two. There are tables showing species on the increase, on the decline, and those that are moving more north or south in the state. You will also find a comparison of population estimate between OBBA one and two, and a new rank by abundance (Hans pointed out that the Song Sparrow gets the #1 spot - there are 84 more species ranked as well). Chapter 5 is a MUST READ - it tells us how to interpret the information presented for each species and provides definitions for frequently used terms. Chapter 6 is the Species Account and everyone will learn something about the birds we love. Chapter 7 looks at Implications for Bird Conservation in Ohio. The book concludes with 7 Appendices and a section on Literature Citations. Too much detail to cover here. When you get it you will want to make a fresh cup of coffee or tea and spend time just paging through it. A most enjoyable and useful reference tool. Matt Valencic Geauga County ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Please consider joining our Society, at www.ohiobirds.org/site/membership.php. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at: listserv.miamioh.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]