"New" obser\ations ( 1996-2002) are represented on the maps by a symbol (B, b, t, W, andw) 

 in the center of each QLL block. * 



"Prexious" QLL observations (1991-1995) are represented hv the background color of the 

 QLL block. * 



^^ "Historic" observations are represented by "hatch marks" in LL blocks where records exist for 

 ^-^ observations of that species prior to 1991, but ha\e not been recorded since. The hatch 

 marks do not distinguish berwcen observations of direct, indirect, or no evidence of breeding 

 ( B, b, or t). They simply indicate a record of the species somewhere in that latilong prior to 

 1991, with no recent observations submitted. This information is provided to help understand 

 where birds were seen historicalh', but have not been reported for the past twelve vears.* 



Wintering Season Maps 



The wintering season maps are presented in latilong blocks only. The background color represents 

 cumulative historic information, and the letter symbols represent information collected for the years 

 1996 through 2002. * 



*For an explanation of latilong and quarter-latilong blocks, see page 2. For an explanation of map 

 colors and symbols see pages 5-7. 



Note: Readers with an interest in specific information on observations, new and historic, should visit 

 the Montana Bird Distribution interactive website and investigate the database by performing their 

 own customized seaixhes ( see below for more information about searches ). For historic records, readers 

 may also refer to previous editions ot Alontand Bird Distribution. 



Montana Bird Distribution on the Internet 



The Montana Bird Distribution database is now available as an interactive website. The site allows 

 users to submit records electronicallv and to examine all records in the database. Housed at the Montana 

 Natural Heritage Program, the database can be accessed by visiting: 



http://nhp.nns.statc.mt.i.is/mbd/ 



In addition, access to the database allows users to perform individual tailored searches. These 

 searches can, for example, answer such questions as: which species occur in the Ingomar area; what is 

 the current distribution of the Lazuli Bunting; how many times, and where, has the American Bittern 

 been reported since 1991; or, what species are reported as breeding during the month of July near 

 Polebridge.' Users mav querv the database bv species, breeding or wintering status, location (QLL), 

 month, and vear. 



Interpreting the Maps 



The maps, and their associated colored blocks, lettered symbols, and hatch marks indicate the 

 distribution of birds across the state. As explained above, historic information, displayed on the breeding 

 maps, appears as hatch marks over the latilong in areas where birds were reported prior to 1991, and 

 not since. Quarter latilong information from the fifth edition appears as a colored background, and 

 new information ( 1996-2002) as lettered symbols over the background color in the quarter-latilong 

 position of each map (see Figure 2). 



