[BCNnet] birders needed - McHenry, Kenosha, and Lake, IN

[bobolnk at ix.netcom.com]

The Chicago Wilderness Grassland Bird Blitz and Grassland Audit both begin in June.  We are poised to complete our 3-year survey of all the grassland birds in the region, and also we are conducting a one-year study of how grassland birds respond to various types of native prairie restorations.   We need a few more monitors for these projects - interested?

Still available:

One route in McHenry County for the Chicago Wilderness "Grassland Audit" - at North Branch Preserve.  This is a point count with a limited number of points - probably no more than 5 - that would require two early morning visits in June.  Vegetation monitors will also visit the points and the data will be used to determine which species mixes of native vegetation work well for grassland birds.  The commitment would be for this summer only.

Four routes for the "Grassland Blitz"
These sites require one early morning June visit, in which you try to thoroughly cover the site and count all the grassland birds there.  
-Oak Ridge Prairie, Griffith, IN
-Pleasant Valley and Kishwaukee Corridor in McHenry County, IL
-Pleasant Prairie portion of Upper Des Plaines watershed project - this group is looking for some experienced birders to accompany them on their blitz on Saturday, June 25

We have a big enthusiastic crew of monitors this year, thanks to the efforts of many, particularly Ann Haverstock, Bob Fisher, Lee Ramsey and Dick Riner.  The forms are going out in the mail this week.  (There are still plenty of routes available everywhere for the BCN Census, so if you've been thinking about volunteering but just haven't gotten around to it, there's still time.)

For more information: 
 Judy Pollock
Audubon Chicago Region
5225 Old Orchard Road, Suite 37
Skokie, IL  60077
ph. 847 965-1150
fax 847 965-9282
jpollock at audubon.org

Cook County