Join the Arkansas Wren Survey

First posted on 10-03-2008

The Audubon organization has teamed up with Arkansas State University to keep tabs on a rare, declining species of wren in the state known as the Bewick’s Wren (pronounced like “Buick). In that effort, the two groups are requesting Arkansans to become citizen scientists.

Dr. James Bednarz, Professor of Wildlife Ecology at ASU, said that residents of the state “have the opportunity to contribute significantly to a very important conservation issue.” Bednarz went on to say that learning more about the Bewick’s Wren would allow biologists to better manage the species.

At one time, the Bewick’s Wren was a very common songbird in Arkansas. Researchers speculate that loss of suitable habitat along with increased competition with the House Wren for nesting sites has led to the decline in numbers of these birds.

The Arkansas Wren Survey being conducted by volunteers working in conjunction with Audubon and ASU will focus primarily on conservation efforts in regard to Bewick’s Wren, but participants will also be asked to count Carolina and House Wrens as well. Though similar in appearance, the Bewick’s Wren tends to stay clear of developed areas for the most part.

To learn more about the Arkansas Wren Survey and how to participate, log on to http://ar.audubon.org/wren, the website for the Arkansas chapter of Audubon. The survey is open to anyone at any age or experience level provided they can devote a minimum of four hours at least twice a year searching for and listening for wrens in the appropriate habitat. Dr. Dan Scheiman, Director of Bird Conservation, Audubon Arkansas is also available to answer questions. He can be reached by email at: or by phone at: (501)244-2229.

This is a fun, informative and communicative study where volunteers can stay in touch with one another through the study’s email discussion, ARWREN. There, participants will be able to share stories, ask questions and announce their findings.