I think the farming practices are a big contributor. They no longer keep cover or edge rows, and they are using more pesticides (less bugs). Yes there are a lot of family farms but more and more the farms are being bought by big corporate farms. It's happening to the orchards near my folks place in Orondo (that and all the rich people are buying up property).
But on the other hand farmers also have a lot of land in CRP and this is very good for all types wildlife. The new push for bio-fuels may put CRP at risk as it may be better for these farms to grow corn and other crops that can be used to make ethanol etc.
Also there needs to be more predator control done to deal with raccoons, yotes, etc. I want to get a .17 just to put a few of these varmints down to help the birds.
