[BCNnet] Chicago Lakefront birders needed (no sightings)

[bobolnk at ix.netcom.com]

The Chicago Park District is planning a 30-acre bird habitat in Burnham Park south of McCormick Place.  They have several creative ideas, and would like to set up a monitoring program so that they can gauge the results of the project.  

They are considering installing prairie, savanna, and a small conifer grove, and allowing some areas with savanna-like structure to naturalize.

Birders are needed to visit these places in the early morning, primarily during migration, record bird species numbers, and share observations with project partners about how birds are using the habitat.  Birders will play a critical role in decision-making for this exciting project.  If you are familiar with the McCormick Place Bird Sanctuary, this project ought to be similar, but bigger, and with a higher proportion of shrubs and trees. 

Points will be accessible via 31st Street and 39th street, although the northernmost ones might be better reached by bike. The route could be divided up among a few people to make for a fairly quick stop for each person (a half hour minimum).  

Please let me know if you are interested in working with Audubon Chicago Region and the Park District on this project. 

Judy Pollock
jpollock at audubon.org