Welcome bird monitors and those interested in monitoring and natural areas conservation in the Chicago Wilderness region (ne IL, nw IN, se WI). The monitors of the Bird Conservation Network Survey have established this listserv for all the fine people who record bird observations in the region’s natural areas and provide information for conservation and restoration, and their partners. Our purpose is to encourage discussion among bird monitors, stewards, land managers, researchers and others interested in conserving bird habitat in the natural areas of the Greater Chicago (Chicago Wilderness) area. Suggested topics include relationships between habitat and bird populations, bird behavior, unusually high or low numbers of species observed, suggestions for more effective monitoring, and questions about protocols. The BCN will also post announcements here. If there is a question that listserv users can't answer, we’ll send it out to someone who will know the answer.

Please limit discussions to matters concerning bird monitoring and natural areas management in the Greater Chicago region. Events, workshops and conferences concerning local bird conservation may be posted on the listserv. Stay on topic, do not include advertising of any sort, and avoid endorsing candidates or lobbying for bills. There is no control before a message is sent to the group other than your good judgment. Therefore we expect subscribers to be respectful of this as a tool for sharing information.

Please include your name, position and location in all posts.