Audubon Important Bird Areas

The data set contains polygons which define areas in Maryland that have been identified by Audubon Maryland-DC as Important Bird Areas (IBAs). These areas are sites that meet rigorous criteria for providing essential habitat to one or more species of birds during some portion of the year. The IBA Criteria for site selection can be accessed online at: http://mddc.audubon.org/files/Audubon%20Maryland-DC/documents/MD-DC_IBA_CRITERIA_final_Sept_09-1.pdf.
The Audubon Maryland-DC Important Bird Area (IBA) data set will help to identify areas that are most important for maintaining bird populations and to focus conservation efforts on those sites. The data set may also be used in planning and environmental assessments as a source of information about these critical habitats. The current IBA network includes 42 sites across Maryland and DC.