2020 Environmental Grant
Photo: Gregory Hejnar
Breeding Bird Species Data Analysis
by Bird Conservation Network (BCN)
BCN is a coalition of 21 birding organizations and conservation groups. Using scientific protocols, nearly 200 trained BCN volunteers monitor bird populations on local conservation land throughout the Chicago region during breeding season and throughout the year. The program objectives:
Provide a valuable gauge of the status of bird species in order to identify species of greatest concern
Help landowners improve land management practices for birds
Educate the public
Of particular interest is focusing on species trends on Chicago area managed lands, which may not be accurately reflected by national trends.
The last analysis of the monitoring data was prepared in 2013. BCN is contracting with a professional analyst to discern breeding bird species trends based on the extensive monitoring data collected over the past 20+ years. The analysis will provide the latest information on bird status and identify any changes that have emerged since the previous analysis.
The 2020 TCAS Environmental Grant is being used to help fund the scientific data analysis. All other work on the project, including wide dissemination of the results, will be provided by volunteers.
