Ohio's 2nd bird census enters 6th and final year

COLUMBUS (AP) — During this year’s bird breeding and nesting season, about 550 volunteers are cataloging more than 200 species in every corner of the state.

The field work is for the "Ohio Breeding Bird Atlas II," sponsored by Ohio State University and funded by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The $1 million project is entering its sixth and final year.

When the count is complete, state wildlife officials and OSU researchers hope to have an unprecedented census of state bird species that could be used to show how birds respond to habitat loss, farming practices and climate change. Bird-watchers also could use it to look up any of Ohio’s native birds and see where they live.

The project is meant to build upon the first "Breeding Bird Atlas," which was completed in 1987 and cataloged birds in 764, 10-square-mile blocks.