This OnLocation(sm) feature is a bit different than ones we have done in the past. Rather than promoting a location for birding, this feature focuses on research whose results should benefit the wild bird species under study. We hope this topic is of interest to you.

Habitat fragmentation and land management techniques impact breeding success of grassland and shrubland birds. Several species of birds from these habitats are endangered in Illinois due to the continuing decline of acceptable habitat. Recent soaring grain prices have increased the pressures on these birds as lands formerly set aside are returned to agricultural use. Researchers from the University of Illinois and the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board are performing studies to see if the breeding success for different species can be characterized for different habitat compositions and management practices. The results from this research will hopefully lead to improved land use and management techniques.

This feature looks at some of the work being performed both through a virtual trip and articles. These studies are in the data collection phase and so no results are currently available. What we present is some of the motivation of the studies and how breeding success is being monitored. We also try to give some insight into some of the people involved with the research.

OnLocation(sm): Research in Illinois (The Virtual Trip)

Take a virtual trip to test and familiarize yourself with some of the birds being studied and then follow the members of the field crew as they collect information on the birds. You'll visit:

• Middle Fork Wildlife Area (Shrubland and field birding)
• Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (Grassland nest monitoring)
• Coming Soon: Middle Fork Wildlife Area (Shrubland nest monitoring)

Backgrounder: Grassland Research Project by Jennifer Nesbitt

A brief background on the research work being done at the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie to characterize grassland species and contribute to prairie restoration and management schemes.

Personal Account: Avian Ecology by Jennifer Nesbitt

Learn about the background and career plans of one of the researchers involved with the Grassland Research Project.