Wisconsin Birds: A Seasonal and Geographical Guide

In 1982, the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology began a cooperative research project based on weekly checklist records of sightings kept by its members. The project, conceived and coordinated by Stanley A. Temple of the Department of Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has yielded rich results in the form of this book, the first of its kind for any state. Wisconsin Birds is a comprehensive and useful field guide to the distribution and abundance of all common species found in the state. Professional and amateur ornithologists alike will appreciate this volume, which will also serve as a model for similar projects in other states. One book page is devoted to each of 265 species. For each, there are range maps showing the areas of the state in which that species is found and its relative abundance in this areas, and charts showing seasonal patterns of abundance in both southern and northern Wisconsin. Seasonal changes in abundance are clearly shown, demonstrating migration movements and the results of breeding. Also included are a list of 98 rare species, an explanation of how to interpret the maps and charts, and a description of the checklist project.