The Eastern Meadowlark is a common statewide breeder. Preferred habitat includes grasslands, open savannas, and weedy fields. Trends indicate that this species is stable in the preserved lands of the area, although according to a recent Audubon study, it is our nation’s 6th fastest declining common bird . The effects of development and suburban sprawl on this species in the fringe counties of the Chicago Wilderness region are not well, and agricultural areas are not well monitored by the BCN Survey. Photo: © Jerry Kumery