Breeding Bird Use and Nesting Ecology In Moist-Soil Wetlands Managed For Waterfowl

Many guilds of migratory birds including grassland birds have declined during the last century. Within the United States, population declines of grassland birds have been especially pronounced in the Midwest. Much of this decline is attributed to the loss and alteration of native grasslands and other suitable habitats. Previous studies have suggested that seasonally de-watered moist-soil wetlands may provide adequate habitat for nesting songbirds during the breeding season. However, breeding bird use of these specific habitats has not been quantified, and is a specific need identified in relevant state and regional land management plans. The Illinois River Valley (IRV) is a unique collection of habitat types including moist-soil wetlands managed for waterfowl by public agencies and private landowners. Using the IRV as a study area, I aim to assess breeding bird, especially grassland bird, use of and nesting ecology in moist-soil wetlands, and to identify factors influencing nest density and success in that habitat.