Bird Blitz Reports Bobolink Bonanza

In June 2003 and 2004, 86 volunteer birders blitzed the region’s grasslands, heading out on dawn patrols to 101 locations to count elusive grassland birds.

The Chicago Wilderness Grassland Bird Blitz included a few unlikely locations, including a former landfill at the Greene Valley Forest Preserve in DuPage County. Volunteer Bob Fisher was pleasantly surprised to see bobolinks perching on methane vent pipes there.

Of the dozen grassland breeding species the survey found, bobolinks were the most numerous, and one of the greatest causes for encouragement. Dick Riner, who surveyed birds at the Bartel Grassland in Cook County, says, “Bobolinks were everywhere I turned.Ó The survey counted 1,600 bobolinks. Population goals set by Chicago Wilderness and the Bartel Grassland in Cook County, says, “Bobolinks were everywhere I turned.Ó The survey counted 1,600 bobolinks. Population goals set by Chicago Wilderness and the Partners in Flight (PIF) North American Landbird Conservation Plan set the target number for the year 2025 at 2,500, which Audubon conservation scientist Karen Glennemeier says is “within our grasp.” So, too, is the recovery of the Henslow’s sparrow. The Chicago Wilderness Conservation Design calls for 500 breeding pairs of Henslow’s sparrows; the Blitz found 258.

Other important sightings included common snipe, dickcissel, eastern meadowlark, grasshopper sparrow, northern harrier, sandhill crane, savannah sparrow, sedge wren, upland sandpiper, and western meadowlark.

The Blitz found that numerous species are still struggling, however, well below population goals. “Two of the most important species on PIF’s list were Henslow’s sparrows and grasshopper sparrows,” says Glennemeier. Volunteers found only 457 grasshopper sparrows, far short of the Conservation Design’s goal of 2,500.

Glennemeier says gathering the information is a high priority for tracking conservation progress. “It’s impressive how much ground you can cover, literally, when you have a moderate but dedicated group of people,” she says. “That’s really the kind of effort that you need if you’re going to answer regional questions.” For complete results, visit habitatproject.org. To monitor for the Blitz this June, call (847) 724-5226.

— Betsy J. Green