Birds

Back Battle on the Booming Grounds

August 15, 2011 by Mike 2 Comments

The Greater Prairie Chicken, once common throughout North America, has undergone rapid population decline, mostly due to habitat loss. The tallgrass prairie that once blanketed the Midwest has been almost completely converted to cropland, leaving Tympanuchus cupido painfully vulnerable.

The Greater Prairie Chicken’s story seems to be a tragic one, but Timothy Barksdale sees something compelling in it. You may know Tim and his Adventures with Birdman. Be sure to click those links and get to know what Tim is all about, because he wants your support…

Tim has been working on a new film discussing the fate of the Tallgrass Prairie and its iconic bird, the Greater Prairie Chicken:

This squat – no- dumpy 2 lb. bird saved the Pilgrims but is now greatly reduced. When do we as humans begin to act? Why do we wait until the last minute?

This film examines the history and biology of this bird and our contact with it- both beneficial and detrimental. We see suburban kids react to their first encounter with this bird, and then take a look at average people that we ask some very simple questions to. Noted Biologists, farmers and ranchers are also interviewed as we take a look at how our society operates in a world we too often think that we are independent of. Do urban/suburban people really get the big picture?

Everything is coming to a head in Kansas. How can we find a balance which allows ranchers to earn a living and yet accommodates the wildlife of these sweeping native grasslands?

Tim tells us that shooting is mostly done, but before this film appears on PBS or at film festivals, it will require months of post-production. Editing, at least when it’s done right, can cost a pretty penny. Consequently, Tim is turning to the bird-loving, nature-loving, conservation-loving public for support. Check out the excellent Battle on the Booming Grounds page on Kickstarter to learn more about this film and how easy it is to support!

And just so you know, Tim — just like Corey– will be at this year’s Midwest Birding Symposium, so you’ll have the opportunity to let him know you kicked in on his project (assuming you  need a public expression of gratitude to feel good about supporting the arts!)

Written by Mike
Mike is a leading authority in the field of standardized test preparation, but he's also a traveler who fully expects to see every bird in the world. Besides founding 10,000 Birds in 2003, Mike has also created a number of other entertaining but now extirpated nature blog resources, particularly the Nature Blog Network and I and the Bird.