Bird Species Use of Bioenergy Croplands in Illinois, USA—Can Advanced Switchgrass Cultivars Provide Suitable Habitats for Breeding Grassland Birds?
, Jules F. Cacho 1, Colleen R. Zumpf 1, DoKyoung Lee 2, Jeremy Feinstein 1, Dario Dematties 3, Leroy J. Walston 1, Nictor Namoi 2 and M. Cristina Negri 1Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe insufficient number of monitoring points and insufficient observation time are obvious shortcomings of this study. However, as an enlightening and preliminary study, the methods used in this study are scientific and the results are reliable. It is recommended to continue conducting more extensive and long-term observations in the future to improve the credibility of research conclusions. In addition, future research needs to consider the impact of factors such as climate and crop pests on the number of bird species.
Author Response
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Author Response File: 
Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsPlease see attached.
Comments for author File: 
Comments.pdf
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis study is one that has importance for understanding the potential impacts of the biofuel industry on birds populations. I found it to be generally well written and understandable. The methodology seems sound and the validation of using both point counts and autonomous recordings will be valuable to future bird surveys. The analyses seem appropriate, and the conclusions follow logically from the results.
My most significant suggestions/comments are first, the introduction could use a paragraph about the overall decline in North American birds populations and that grassland birds are showing the most significant declines. That is what gives this study added importance. Second, I am not sure how meaningful the Urbana results are, given how much less sampling was done there. You might consider taking Urbana out of the paper and just focusing on Brighton, or make it clear in the discussion what the importance of the Urbana results are.
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Round 2
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsAfter reading the revision and authors' response, I think the authors addressed well with my comments and I have no further comments.
