Amazing Bird Diversity on the Farm: A Visit from the Audubon Society and Missouri River Bird Observatory
This summer, we had the incredible opportunity to work with the Audubon Society and the Missouri River Bird Observatory (MRBO) as part of an important bird survey on our farm. We were thrilled to host Ethan C. Duke, co-founder and co-director of MRBO, for a detailed bird diversity survey across our 1,065 acres of native grassland pastures and woods.
The goal of this survey was to better understand the diversity and population numbers of bird species on our land, with a particular focus on indicator species and any endangered species present. The results were truly exciting.
359 Bird Encounters. 55 Species. One Thriving Ecosystem.
Over the course of just four hours, Ethan recorded 359 bird encounters and identified 55 different species. He described the findings as “amazing diversity,” and we couldn’t agree more. The number and variety of birds spotted in such a short timeframe speaks volumes about the quality and health of our landscape.
Birds like the Eastern Meadowlark, Grasshopper Sparrow, Henslow’s Sparrow, and Northern Bobwhite are not just beautiful or interesting to observe. They are indicator species, which means they serve as living barometers of ecosystem health. When these birds are thriving, it tells scientists and land managers that the habitat is functioning properly and providing the essential elements birds need—such as food, shelter, breeding space, and protection from predators.
Each indicator species occupies a specific niche in the environment. For example:
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The Grasshopper Sparrow depends on large, open areas of native grassland with minimal disturbance. Its presence indicates high-quality prairie habitat.
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The Henslow’s Sparrow, a species of conservation concern, requires dense grass with a thick thatch layer. Seeing this bird on the farm means our land management is maintaining a critical and increasingly rare type of habitat.
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The Northern Bobwhite, once a common sight across Missouri, has seen significant declines due to habitat loss. Its return is a hopeful sign that regenerative land use can help recover populations.
Even more widespread species like the Red-winged Blackbird, Common Yellowthroat, and Field Sparrow add to the mosaic of diversity. Each plays a unique role in the local food web and contributes to the ecological balance.
By surveying both common and rare species, experts like Ethan can get a clearer picture of how well an ecosystem is functioning. These surveys also help guide conservation priorities and resource allocation. Farms like ours, which maintain native vegetation and consider wildlife in land management, are becoming increasingly important havens for birds and biodiversity.
Native Grasses: The Foundation of Biodiversity
One of the biggest reasons we are seeing such diverse and abundant birdlife on the farm is our ongoing commitment to native grasses. These grasses are not only essential for livestock management, but they are also a critical part of maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Native grasses provide:
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Nesting and cover for ground-dwelling birds
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Food sources for insects and pollinators, which in turn feed birds
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Deep root systems that improve soil health and water retention
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Resilience against drought and erosion
By managing our pastures with native species, we’re supporting both agriculture and wildlife in harmony. It’s a win-win for the land, the cattle, and the birds.
About the Audubon Society and MRBO
The Audubon Society is a national organization dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats. Through science, advocacy, education, and hands-on conservation work, they are helping to protect over 500 bird species across North America.
The Missouri River Bird Observatory (MRBO) focuses on advancing the conservation of birds and their habitats through science, education, and partnership-building in Missouri and beyond. They play a critical role in bird monitoring, citizen science initiatives, and educational outreach that connects communities to conservation work.
As landowners, we believe that owning and managing a large piece of land comes with a responsibility to care for the ecosystems we steward. Whether it’s working with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), MRBO, or the Audubon Society, we see our land as part of something bigger. Participating in bird surveys, managing for native species, and opening our property to conservation professionals are ways we can contribute to the broader health of Missouri’s natural landscapes.
By collaborating with organizations that specialize in habitat and species conservation, landowners can play a vital role in ensuring the future of our wildlife. Conservation doesn't only happen in national parks and preserves, it can start in your own pastures, fields, and even backyard.
Looking Ahead..
We are incredibly proud to contribute to this ongoing work and to see our land playing a role in protecting bird populations. The diversity documented during this survey shows that conservation-minded farming is not only possible, but thriving.
For more information on getting your backyard approved by the Audubon Society as “Certified Wildlife Habitat”, visit www.stlouisaudubon.org/bch/
Photos of species above from https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/ This is a great online guide for identifying bird species curated by Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Check out the full report here!
To learn more about how we manage our land with both livestock and wildlife in mind, visit us at www.horstmanncattleco.com