Project Description

The Cook Arboretum is part of an important landscape in Rock County that provides one of the county's few breeding sites for forest-interior birds such as Cerulean Warbler, Hooded Warbler, and Acadian Flycatcher. The Birds of the Cook Arboretum Research Project (BCARP) is a long-term project to closely monitor the status of these three species, to document habitat changes, to document changes in avian species diversity, and to document successful breeding of all bird species in the park. The project began in 2006 and has been successful with the help of dozens of community members and birders who have donated their time to sample birds. Our goal is to publish the results of this long-term study after its 20th year.

Bird populations in the park are monitored using two methods. In early June and early July, we sample Cerulean Warbler, Hooded Warbler, and Acadian Flycatcher with help from community members and citizen scientists. Their assistance improves sampling precision and reliability of our population estimates for those three species. For information on how to participate in this unique sampling exercise, and an opportunity to benefit the birds of the Cook Arboretum, please click on the Information for Participants link in the left margin. The second type of sampling consists of point counts collected in late April, late May, and late June. At 15 pre-selected sites in the park, all birds heard and seen are counted during 5-minute point counts. This sampling is conducted by the principle investigators.

In addition, all evidence of avian breeding activity is recorded. We welcome any Cook Arboretum breeding records, such as nesting activities or the presence of fledglings, going back to 2006 and throughout the duration of the project.

Principle Investigators:

Dr. Tom Klubertanz, Professor of Biology, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at Rock County, Janesville, Wisconsin.

Quentin Yoerger Evansville, Wisconsin.