BREEDING BIRD POPULATION TRENDS OF THE CHICAGO REGION (1999-2012)

The BCN Survey is a monitoring program that has amassed a large volume of breeding bird data collected by the birders of the Chicago Region. A key goal of this analysis is to learn the regional trends of our various bird species in order to educate the public, monitor species of concern, and help improve land management practices for birds. Based off of these species trends and conservation scores from Partners in Flight, we have also classified species of concern that should receive special attention.

As always, we would like to thank all of our volunteer monitors who have contributed countless hours in the field! This analysis would not have been successful without the data, insights, and spirit of this knowledgeable and dedicated field crew. If you aren't already a monitor for the BCN Survey, we hope that you will join us. Your contributions can help us identify important habitat, improve current management practices, monitor threats, set regional priorities through Chicago Wilderness, and work with land managers to protect areas where birds are breeding. Just two visits of a couple hours at a preserve each summer can provide a wealth of information for us.

We would also like to thank all of the people who donated to BCN directly or to the Redstart Connection campaign to help fund the 2013 analysis as well as past contributions from Chicago Wilderness. Your financial support helps ensure the ongoing success of this amazing project!