The Bobolink is a fairly common breeder in northern portions of IL and IN, and northward. Bobolinks usually breed in mesic to wet mesic grasslands. Updated BCN trends show an annual increase of 2% in our area, up considerably from previous 2004 estimates. Removal of invasive brush and conversion of farmland to grassland  have proven to be extremely successful for this species.  June hay mowing in the agricultural portions of our region remains a  threat: it destroys nests, eggs and young. However, Bobolinks also still face many threats on their wintering grounds in the southern hemisphere. Photo: © Eric Secker