Swallow, bobolink numbers down in N.B.

A new survey of birds in the Maritimes is already showing some disturbing results, as biologists are finding some species appear to be in decline.

Researchers are only a year and a half into the five-yearresearch period for theMaritime breeding bird atlas, which measures the abundance of breeding birds in the region.

It's already apparent numbers for bobolinks in the region are down, as are some species of swallow, according to Fredericton biologist Scott Makepeace.

"Especially the barn swallows and cliff swallows, they've significantly declined," Makepeace said Monday.

However, Makepeace notes the number of pine warblers and northern cardinals is up.

When the study is finished, the information will help to determine which species are in trouble, and then help to set rules about land use.