The Courier-Journal reports the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources counted 151 occupied nesting territories in 2016, which is a 14 percent increase from last year and a 51 percent from 2012.
Kate Slankard, an avian biologist with the state agency, said nest numbers depend on weather patterns. She said the numbers were likely elevated this year because there weren't many extreme weather events during nesting season.
Slankard said the state counted 20 new territories for nesting, which is more than in years past.
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Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com
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