Leakhena Au, Green Bay Ecological Services Field Office, worked with Jon Simonsen of the Wisconsin DNR Northern Region to change the standard practices for protection of migratory birds associated with bridge and culvert replacement projects. 

Due to reported instances of swallows being trapped in exclusion netting placed on bridges before construction, the Service sought to re-evaluate the recommended timelines for protective actions. 

In accordance with Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas data, the Wisconsin DNR Northern Region has now changed their recommended date for screening bridges before construction from May 15 to April 15. 

The Green Bay Field Office is continuing to work with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to effect similar changes statewide.