Project goals

• Conduct research that will enhance a basic understanding of grassland bird species of concern.
• Interpret and highlight research in public education and outreach programs.
• Cultivate a sense of pride and stewardship for the rich diversity of natural resources at Midewin.
• Increase participants’ awareness of the threats to grassland birds and encourage participants to address these threats locally.
• Introduce participants to the identification and reproductive biology of grassland birds.
• Train participants in the care and use of equipment associated with monitoring field work.
• Encourage participants to consider a career in natural resources.

Pre-experiment workshop

This workshop will address grassland bird identification and breeding biology. Focal species will include:

• Bobolinks (Dolichonyx oryzivorus)
• Grasshopper Sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum)
• Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis)
• Henslow’s Sparrows (Ammodramus henslowii)
• Dickcissels (Spiza americana)
• Eastern Meadowlarks (Sturnella magna)

Workshop documents

• Midewin volunteer application
• Adult photo release form
• Child photo release form

Field experiment

Research on grassland birds has shown that nest predation can be an important cause of reproductive failure. Nest predation happens when either eggs or nestlings are destroyed or consumed by predators such as crows, blue jays, mice, squirrels, or raccoons. When parent birds lose offspring, their lifetime fitness declines. Knowing what factors influence nest predation in a particular habitat is important to ecologists and wildlife managers. One way that scientists can examine nest predation is to conduct an artificial nest study. Scientists make artificial eggs out of clay and place them in fake nests in different locations and observe what happens over time. Artificial nest studies are useful for illustrating how predation occurs differently in different habitats. The technique has been used to assess the effects of land use such as habitat fragmentation and the effects of distance from an edge and edge type on nest predation.

At Midewin, we will use this technique to determine if distance from the edge of a walking path affects nest success. We will set out 120 nests at different distances from a path and bait them with one Japanese quail (Corturnix japonica) egg and one clay egg. Quail eggs will simulate a larger songbird egg and clay eggs a smaller songbird egg. The clay egg will also yield clues through dental or bill imprints as to which type of predator attacked the nest. Nests will be monitored at 3-day intervals for 12 days. Additionally, digital motion-sensitive cameras will be focused on separate baited nests and will be used to identify nest predators through photographs.

Post-experiment workshop

This workshop will cover the topic of nest predation and factors that influence nesting success. Data collected by participants during the experiment will be compiled and analyzed to determine potential predation risk. Camera data and any bill or dental impressions from clay eggs will be used to identify nest predators.

Restoration workday

Restoration efforts will entail the removal of invasive plants and the planting of native species. Through the restoration efforts, participants will learn about the habitat needs of various bird species and the effect of invasive plant species on bird habitat and associated ecosystems.

Results presentation workshop

This conference and appreciation dinner will allow participants to communicate and discuss the results of the field experiment using appropriate multimedia resources (e.g., posters, PowerPoint presentations, or video documentary). It is anticipated that the results of this project will be three-fold. The project will:

• Provide data from field experiments that will augment existing information and result in enhanced ecological management practices for grassland birds.
• Result in improved community awareness of bird habitat conservation.
• Build additional support for restoration efforts at Midewin