Dr. Mike Ward, research scientist at the Illinois Natural History Survey, recently finished statewide bird census. Dr. Ward compared the data of his survey with similar surveys done in 1906 and 1956.

Ward's data show that certain birds which were once common, like the Bobolink, are now rare, while other birds are now abundant. Ward says he believes the overall number of birds has remained consistent over the years, but that the mix is now much more homogenous.

To read more about the statewide bird survey, see the July 19, 2008 article in The State Journal-Register or visit the following URL: http://iw.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_action=doc&p_theme=aggdocs&p_topdoc=1&p_docnum=1& p_sort=YMD_date:D&p_product=AWNB&p_docid=12228ABC609406E0&p_text_direct-0=document_id=(%2012228ABC609406E0%20)&p_multi=SJRB& p_nbid=G72C5EXWMTIxNzIxMzIzOC40NTQyOTY6MToxMToxMjguMTc0LjEuMA