Kevin Ellison

Kevin has more than 28 years of experience conducting research in avian ecology. Originally from relatively Tallgrass remnant-rich northern Illinois, Kevin developed an interest in cowbirds. His interest led to graduate degrees for work in s. California and s. Texas. In 2005, Kevin returned to the Great Plains to conduct post-doctoral research on the responses of grassland birds to the removal of tree rows and used mini-cameras at nests to identify predators. Since 2008, he has studied relationships between grassland birds and grazing management in Montana, the Dakotas, Nebraska, and Saskatchewan.

Since 2013, his work has focused on assessing grassland bird data from the levels of species’ populations down to individual ranches. Working with over 100 ranchers in the northern Great Plains, Kevin has conducted surveys of grassland birds to quantify the benefits of ranching for grassland birds. Kevin has banded many grassland birds for studies of habitat use and to track migrations with geolocators. Kevin also serves on several graduate student committees focused on grassland bird projects.