[TN-Bird] Henslow's Sparrow atlas (year 2) volunteers needed

 We are requesting Henslowâ??s Sparrow field observations in Tennessee and 
Kentucky. 
 Last year we initiated a highly successful Henslowâ??s Sparrow Atlas project 
in Tennessee 
 and Kentucky. We are again requesting local birders to collect information 
specifically 
 about Henslowâ??s Sparrow populations and habitat use throughout the states 
Tennessee 
 and Kentucky.
 

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) 

atâ?¦



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 Henslowâ??s Sparrows from 
Tennessee and Kentucky, and possible habitats.  The basic information we are 
requesting includes the exact location, the number of birds (Henslowâ??s 
Sparrows and other grassland birds), and pictures of the habitat.

As you may know, according to the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) Henslowâ??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 Henslowâ??s Sparrows at 
just 174 BBS observations over the last 25 years among hundreds of survey 
locations in the thousands of square miles in the Henslowâ??s Sparrow breeding 
range.

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

In 2006 in Tennessee, Henslowâ??s Sparrows were located in five new counties 
and the total 
know populations now includes over 300 pairs in the state!  These new 
observations offer hope that other populations could be found throughout the 
state if there are enough people looking in the â??rightâ?? 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 Henslowâ??s Sparrow populations.  Areas in West 
Tennessee are especially likely to have new Henslowâ??s Sparrow population 
discoveries, but they have been discovered in East TN.

Thanks for your cooperation!

--Jim Giocomo
Knoxville, TN


   
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                  EXCELLENT MAP RESOURCES
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Aerial photos to complement google maps http://local.live.com

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