Marsh Bird Monitoring Hub

Photo: Common Gallinule Photo Credit: Lynn Cleveland

Monitoring Vulnerable Marsh Birds of the Great Lakes Region

Hemi-marsh wetland habitat in the Calumet region provides far-reaching benefits to marsh birds, other wildlife, and people; and after centuries of eradication and degradation through pollution, altered hydrology, climate change, and the introduction of invasive species, it will take sustained efforts to restore and maintain them into the future. Through partnerships, Audubon Great Lakes has established regular marsh bird and vegetation monitoring at 32 sites across the region that have informed habitat restoration. This monitoring is crucial to our wetland conservation efforts in Illinois and Indiana.

Marsh Bird Monitoring Hub

The Marsh Bird Data Hub is a tool that provides important resources to help inform restoration planning and collaborative decision-making to protect wetlands for declining marsh bird species.  Land managers and conservationists can use this tool to better understand marshes in the Calumet region that are most threatened and inform decision making around restoration efforts to restore wetlands and marsh bird populations.  You can access the Marsh Bird Data Hub here

Photo: American Bittern. Photo: Diane Taylor

Marsh Birds of the Great Lakes Region

Least Bittern

Latin:  Ixobrychus exilis

Illustration for Least Bittern

Sora

Latin:  Porzana carolina

Illustration for Sora

Common Gallinule

Latin:  Gallinula galeata

Illustration for Common Gallinule

Pied-billed Grebe

Latin:  Podilymbus podiceps

Illustration for Pied-billed Grebe

American Bittern

Latin:  Botaurus lentiginosus

Illustration for American Bittern

King Rail

Latin:  Rallus elegans

Illustration for King Rail

Virginia Rail

Latin:  Rallus limicola

Illustration for Virginia Rail

Black Rail

Latin:  Laterallus jamaicensis

Illustration for Black Rail

News & Updates

Marsh Bird Monitoring Protects Vulnerable Species and Enhances Understanding of Conservation Areas in the Great Lakes
Blog

Marsh Bird Monitoring Protects Vulnerable Species and Enhances Understanding of Conservation Areas in the Great Lakes

Highlights from the monitoring season include 26 monitors, 1,600 observations and rare bird sightings

Illinois Calumet Marsh Bird Survey
Priority Birds

Illinois Calumet Marsh Bird Survey

The Illinois Calumet Marsh bird survey informs habitat restoration at important wetlands in the Calumet Region.

Marsh Birds Provide the Blueprint for Wetland Restoration
Blog

Marsh Birds Provide the Blueprint for Wetland Restoration

"These incredible [marsh bird] species tell us how to save our wetlands and water. It won’t be easy and it won’t be fast, but if we want future generations to enjoy the wonders of birds and nature and abundant and clean water, it’s worth it."

Indiana Marsh Bird Survey
Priority Birds

Indiana Marsh Bird Survey

Marsh bird surveys are needed to better inform habitat management at Indiana wetlands.

Ways You Can Help