Tag: breeding birds

Count Breeding Birds in June for Annual Survey

Posted on by Sonny Cohen
BCN – the Bird Conservation Network – is a volunteer organization of 21 conservation groups across Northeast Illinois. BCN is dedicated to the preservation of our endemic breeding bird species. Lake Cook Audubon is a charter member of BCN.The centerpiece of BCN’s volunteer work is coordinating annual surveys of breeding birds at selected preserves across the region. For the past 20 years, these surveys have provided vital information for understanding the population trends of the key species we all care about. Most importantly, this detailed data is used by forest preserve districts and other land managers to identify their properties’ most critical preservation and restoration needs.

BCN and the county preserve land managers want to expand this valuable monitoring program to cover additional sites. BCN is looking for birders to help launch the expansion with the June 2022 bird count survey.

The Details:+ Birders are invited to volunteer

Since the count data is used for habitat conservation planning and scientific studies, volunteers with at least three years of birding experience are needed. You don’t need to be a super birder to volunteer, but bird survey participants should be able to identify birds breeding in our area by sound as well as by sight.You can volunteer to monitor alone, or you can team up with a birding friend to monitor together. Only one birder in a team needs to be adept at identifying birds by sound.

+ What volunteers do
Monitoring entails two bird survey visits in June at one of the selected preserves in our area. As a monitor, you go to pre-determined points throughout your chosen preserve and count the number of birds seen and heard for ten minutes at each point.   You enter your results into a special Forest Preserve app (mECO) on your smartphone as you monitor at each point.  The app automatically records weather conditions and also prompts you for questions about the foliage.

Count Breeding Birds in June for Annual Survey
+ To volunteer or if you have any questions, contact:

Properties Where Volunteer Monitors Are Still Needed:
Count Breeding Birds in June for Annual Survey
All are in Lake County:

  • Lakewood (4 – 5 volunteers needed)
  • Cuba Marsh (2 volunteers needed)
  • Grassy Lake – near Lake Barrington
  • Independence Grove – Need 1 additional volunteer
  • Fort Sheridan
  • Greenbelt FP