2nd MD/DC ATLAS OF BREEDING BIRDS: the most widely-reported species.
            This atlas is such a treasure trove � perhaps I missed it - but I didn�t see a list of the most widely-reported species.  Going through it quickly there seem to be 49 species found in 1000 or more of the 1284 atlas blocks (= c. 78% of the blocks).  
            Nineteen of those were found in 1200 or more atlas blocks (= c. 93%).  These atlas block totals do not count encounters when a species was merely �observed,� but do count those for which breeding was �confirmed,� �probable,� or �possible.�  
            As an extreme example, the widely-ranging Laughing Gull was �observed� in 313 blocks but recorded as a breeder in just 2, those 2 exclusive of the 313.  Osprey was found in 405 blocks, merely observed in 228 others; Bald Eagle in 316 blocks, observed in 278 others. 
            The �top five� most widely reported breeding species are apparently: Northern Cardinal (1256 or c. 98%), Red-winged Blackbird (1249), Mourning Dove (1246), European Starling (1239), and Barn Swallow (1238).
            Others at 1200 or more include: Red-bellied Woodpecker (1210), Downy Woodpecker (1227), Eastern Wood-Pewee (1220), Blue Jay (1212), Tufted Titmouse (1217), Carolina Wren (1237), American Robin (1231), Common Yellowthroat (1231), Chipping Sparrow (1216), Indigo Bunting (1224), Common Grackle (1235), Brown-headed Cowbird (1225), and American Goldfinch (1227).
            High �non-landbirds� include Canada Goose (1056), Mallard (1023), Red-tailed Hawk (1099), and Killdeer (1034). 
            This splendid book is worth acquiring just for the utterly charming photograph of the screech-owl (found in 676 blocks) on page 180.  I can�t imagine anyone with a genuine interest in birds of the Middle Atlantic area not getting a copy of this fascinating compendium.
            A detail only a librarian or wannabe editor would bother to note: I was glad to see the words �of,� �the,� and �and� as well as �2nd� printed in lower case on the binding and title page.
            Best to all. � Harry Armistead, Philadelphia.