[birdky] Henslow's Sparrow atlas (year 2) volunteers needed

 

We are looking for Henslow’s Sparrow field observations in Kentucky and 
Tennessee.  Last year we initiated a highly successful Henslow’s Sparrow Atlas 
project in Kentucky and Tennessee.  We are again requesting local birders to 
collect information specifically about Henslow’s Sparrow populations and 
habitat use.

If you are interested in participating in this important conservation project, 
you can download data forms and a full explanation of the protocol (PDF files) 
at…

http://web.utk.edu/~jgiocomo/HESPatlas.htm

The website provides a link to the data form and field protocol, and a longer 
version of the protocol including pictures of Henslow’s Sparrows from Kentucky 
and Tennessee, and possible habitats.  The basic information we are requesting 
includes the exact location, the number of birds (Henslow’s Sparrows and other 
grassland birds), and pictures of the habitat.

As you may know, according to the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) Henslow’s Sparrow 
populations have been declining range-wide at a rate of 8.7% per year since 
1966, one of the most severe declines of any bird in North America.  But you 
may not be aware that trend is based on detections of Henslow’s Sparrows at 
just 174 BBS observations among over the last 25 years among hundreds of 
survey locations in the thousands of square miles in the Henslow’s Sparrow 
breeding range.

More information is urgently needed to target management efforts to reverse 
the severe population declines.  The Henslow’s Sparrow Atlas Project is 
designed to determine the population status and habitat and area requirements 
of the Henslow’s Sparrow and other grassland associated species.  A recent 
meeting of Henslow’s Sparrow “experts” sponsored by the USFWS has identified a 
Henslow’s Sparrow (and grassland bird) atlas as a top priority to advance 
national level conservation efforts.

In 2006 in Tennessee, Henslow’s Sparrows in one new county and the total know 
populations now includes over 1000 pairs in the state, and the populations are 
growing according the Breeding Bird Survey results!  Though these birds are 
increasing we still know very little about the range of habitat types they 
will use, and what other grassland birds can be found using the same habitats.

Our hope is this atlas project will provide birders the excuse to spend some 
time birding between May 15 and July 15 in habitats that are usually not 
popular birding areas, namely unmowed agricultural grasslands, leading to the 
discovery of other unknown Henslow’s Sparrow populations.  Areas in western 
Kentucky are especially likely for new Henslow’s Sparrow population 
discoveries.

Thanks for your cooperation!

--Jim Giocomo
Post-doctoral Research Associate
Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries
University of Tennessee
274 Ellington Plant Sciences Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-4563

   
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