Bird Blitz 2009: Birding with a Purpose

The Cerulean Warbler depends on mature deciduous forests and is threatened by habitat loss and forest fragmentation. | 1 of 2

The state Threatened Henslow's Sparrow is one of several grassland songbirds in steep decline due to significant habitat losses across its range. | 2 of 2

The Audubon MD-DC IBA Program utilizes Bird Blitz surveys in an effort to identify areas throughout the state which are critical habitat for birds of conservation concern. Bird Blitz is a breeding season count of targeted at-risk bird species used to determine whether an area supports the minimum populations necessary to qualify it as an IBA in Maryland. These surveys are volunteer-based and involve counting and mapping at-risk bird species listed in the IBA criteria. Bird Blitz is vital to the identification of IBAs in Maryland. Results from 2007 and 2008 Bird Blitz surveys led to the identification of seven Maryland IBAs. Report summaries can be found below.

In 2009, Bird Blitz efforts will focus on sites in western and southern Maryland. Routes for Bird Blitz surveys are being developed in these target areas to ensure adequate coverage for each candidate IBA. To see which areas are highest priorities this year; check out the map of candidate IBA sites. Target at-risk species for southern Maryland include Red-headed Woodpecker, Kentucky Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Chuck-will's-widow, and Whip-poor-will. Primary at-risk species for western Maryland include Cerulean Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Henslow's Sparrow, Upland Sandpiper, Canada Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Alder Flycatcher, and Whip-poor-will. Check out the at-risk species on this page to learn more about the reasons why these birds are in need of conservation.

All 2009 Bird Blitz sites are in need of volunteers for survey routes. You can make a significant contribution toward conserving the birds you love and the habitats important to them by volunteering for even one Bird Blitz route. If you would like to be a part of Bird Blitz 2009, contact David Yeany II, IBA Program Assistant at 814-221-4361 or email for more information.

Thanks to these organizations for their partnership with Audubon MD-DC and generous support of the IBA Program and Bird Blitz:
TogetherGreen
Maryland Ornithological Society
Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Visit Audubon's National IBA website for information about Important Bird Areas across the United States.

See links below for BIRD BLITZ MATERIALS:

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