Bird Monitors - Enter Habitat Data

Help us learn more about the habitats our birds are using:
This year, we hope to vastly improve our understanding of the monitoring data we receive and the habitats it's gathered in, to make our database more valuable to users.  Creating a connection between observation data and habitat information was a major recommendation of our advisory panel a year ago.

Step 1 - Classify the Habitats at your Monitoring Points:

If you do point counts at your site(s), please fill out the habitat info form.  You will need to choose a habitat type for each point using the BCN habitat classifications sheet.

Imagine a circle with your point at the center and a 75 meter radius. Consider the habitats that fall within that circle.  If there is more than one habitat type, please record up to three.  Woodland, shrubland and wetland patches that are too small for breeding birds to use need not be recorded.  If there is more than one habitat, estimate the percentage of each habitat in the circle to the nearest 10%. (Don't fret over this - your best guess will be just fine.)  Please use the number codes from the habitat classifications sheet for each habitat type.

If you need help visualizing the area covered by your 75 meter radius point count circle, you can use this online point count circle viewer to help. Type in the Lat, Lon coordinates for your point and hit enter. If you don't know the Lat, Lon coordinates for your point, we can look it up for you if you contact us.

The BCN habitat classification system was designed for common-sense use – without technical training. But if you’d prefer that someone else do it for your points, we can help. Send us a request by contacting us (see contact information at the bottom of this page).

Step 2 - Send Us Your Results:
There are two ways to send us your results. You can help us save time by entering your information online, or if you don't have the time, just send us your form in the mail and one of our amazing volunteers will enter it for you.

Questions or Difficulties: Please contact us if you have any questions, difficulties with the forms, or trouble using the online data entry form. E-mail: or call Judy Pollock at: 847-328-1250 .

Conserve Chicagoland Birds!