Conservation: Sagebrush Songbirds Study

A photo assignment studying sagebrush obligatate songbirds for the Wyoming Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit. The study documents impacts to songbirds that are are obligated to nest and breed in sagebrush by small rodents that proliferate in areas with human disturbance. In the Jonah Natural Gas Fields and Pinedale Anticline, two of Wyoming's "mega" fields,  increased mortality by small predators appears to be a negative impact associated with fragmented habitat. Why does it matter? Along with Greater Sage-grouse, who don't tolerate development in their habitat at all, Brewer's sparrow, sage thraher, and sagebrush sparrow are also declining - Brewer's at a rate of 2% per year. 

Nest Check
Loggerhead Shrike In Gas Field
Brewer's Sparrow In Song
Sage Thrasher Chick
Sage Thrasher Eggs
Sage Thrasher On Sage Top
Placing Traps
Sagebrush Sparrow Nestlings
Brooding Sagebrush Sparrow
Cattle On Reclaimed Drill Pad
Ground Squirrels in Disturbance