Here's another grassland bird species declining at Pheasant Branch Conservancy's prairie (dogs allowed) the past few years. Though they can be somewhat irruptive and sporadic by nature, their population increased at the prairie from 2008 to 2013. Then there was an abrupt drop in numbers during the breeding season in 2014 and 2015, and have since almost disappeared―just one bird on June 26th, 2016, and only 2 observed the following year on June 14th. Curiously, Dickcissels fared much better at Pope Farm Conservancy (no dogs allowed) about the time they nearly vanished from Pheasant Branch. Why? Isn't it interesting that this decline seems to coincide with that of Clay-colored Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Yellow-breasted Chat? This isn't the last grassland species experiencing declines at Pheasant Branch Conservancy. Sadly, there are more to come.
Come on Dane County Parks!
Come on Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy!
Be FRIENDS to the wildlife at the prairie!
Dickcissel © 2017 Mike McDowell