Governor Peter Shumlin helped mark the publication of a new book today that's a new resource for understanding Vermont's bird populations.
Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of Vermont, was produced with the help of 350 volunteers who donated thousands of hours compiling the information.
Shumlin says the atlas will help the state protect and build ecosystems where birds will thrive.
"As Vermonters, we care about birds, we care about our natural resources and we all know... that as we continue to degrade our environment as a nation, birds are feeling the effects of environmental degradation and climate change," Shumlin said.
Some of the changes noted since first atlas came out include declines in some grassland bird species such as upland sandpipers and grasshopper sparrows.
But other species have increased, such as the tufted titmouse and the wild turkey.
The Vermont Center for Ecostudies says the book will become a classic reference for birders, ornithologists and land use planners, among others.
