FRIENDS OF
GRASSLAND BIRDS INITIATIVE
Advocating for protection of declining grassland bird species such as Bobolinks and Eastern Meadowlarks.
Providing resources, education, and consultation for landowners who wish to manage their pastures or hayfields to benefit grassland birds.
Providing resources, education, and consultation for landowners who wish to manage their pastures or hayfields to benefit grassland birds.
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We believe that lands held in the public trust by municipalities, land trusts, and other conservation NGOs provide the best hope for helping grassland bird populations. Publicly-owned conservation areas with suitable grassland habitat are very scarce in central Massachusetts. There are very few publicly- or privately-protected fields greater than 5 acres in size, the minimum size Bobolinks require. While there are other factors contributing to grassland bird declines, the greatest threat to Bobolinks in central MA is the common practice of mowing for hay at the height of the breeding season. Bobolinks hide their nests in hayfield grass, and studies have found that essentially all active nests are destroyed during the haying process. There has been much discussion regarding the “best” or “safest” date for mowing with regard to bird nesting success. Many factors, including weather, soil types (water retention), and vegetative composition of fields, affect Bobolink nesting ecology. Some entities adopt first-mowing dates between mid-July and mid-August, with mixed success. Because of the many reasons set forth in Mass Audubon’s Best Management Practices document, we urge public landowners to leave fields greater than 5 acres in size undisturbed by mowing from May 15th through August 15th. Adoption of this practice also benefits Wild Turkeys, Savannah Sparrows, certain reptile and amphibian species (herps), Eastern Cottontails, Monarch and other butterflies, and native insect pollinators. Mass Audubon recently ( 2017) released a new document: Best Management Practices for Grassland Birds ( http://www.massaudubon.org/content/download/19413/274073/file/Best-Management-Practices_Grasslands.pdf ), which outlines protective measures that landowners can adopt to help these birds. These guidelines were developed primarily to assist managers of public lands who have responsibilities for properties that do not face the economic challenges of private farmers. For private landowners and farmers, Mass Audubon has launched an initiative that provides a financial incentive/subsidy to those who wish to manage their properties to benefit grassland birds. This resource, The Bobolink Project (http://www.bobolinkproject.com/) allows farmers to apply for funds to offset a loss of hay income. Locally, Ware River Nature Club’s Grassland Bird Initiative similarly allows farmers—or, in some cases, public landowners on behalf of farmers—to apply for a subsidy. 
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GRASSLAND BIRD STUDY & ADVOCACY
WHAT
Central Massachusetts hosts hundreds of acres of open grasslands and the birds that need them for nesting and foraging habitat. Included in this suite of birds are declining species such as Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink, and American Kestrel. We are observing and monitoring open pastures and hayfields in order to gather information about our local populations and advocating for their protection. Our goal is to educate landowners about habitat needs, bird protection, and related land-management strategies.
WHY
State of the Birds 2014, a comprehensive
study of U.S. bird trends published by the U.S. Committee of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI), a 23-member partnership of government agencies, universities, and conservation groups notes a decline in breeding birds like Eastern Meadowlark and Bobolink of nearly 40 percent since 1968. While this negative trend appears to have leveled off in some parts of the country, these species are “not out of the woods” here in New England. “The good news in this report is that it’s clear that bird conservation programs work,” said Steve Holmer, Senior Policy Advisor at American Bird Conservancy, thus the arrest of some declines. HWRNC is trying to help with grassland bird conservation efforts close to home.
One serious concern locally is the predominance of “population sinks,” habitats which attract birds due to ecological features that are ideal for raising families, but instead become deadly and lead to the destruction of nests and young. Such is the case with Bobolinks and Eastern Meadowlarks, birds that conceal their nests low in grassy—in the case of meadowlarks, also wet---hayfields. It is common for hay mowing to take place while young birds are still being fed in the nest. Bobolinks will not attempt re-nesting when this occurs. This contributes to the decline in their numbers.
We support bird-friendly land management practices. Declining grassland bird species are not found in all available hayfields, nor do they necessarily utilize all sections of all hayfields. Thus we feel that grassland bird protection need not be cited as a major “interference” with profitable hay production. We have observed circumstances in which hayfield management and bird protection can co-exist, and we expect future study will support this observation
HOW
WRNC is gathering population data and watching Bobolinks and meadowlarks, as well as any kestrels we might find, during the nesting season at certain grasslands and fields in central Massachusetts. We are targeting certain “areas of conservation interest,” i.e. grassland areas that are of a large-enough size and/or demonstrate other features that are attractive to these species.
We are concentrating our efforts on publicly-owned parcels. Assuming that hay profit is not the chief objective on these parcels (which unfortunately is not always the case), managers of multi-use state- and town-owned properties have the opportunity to incorporate bird-friendly mowing practices into their land use plans.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED!
We are currently seeking volunteers to monitor several large grassland parcels in Hubbardston, Rutland, and Paxton. We need people to make careful observations and document behaviors for 1-2 hour periods two or more times per month from mid-May through August. In addition, we’ll be identifying specific locations of Bobolinks and other grassland bird nests on Department of Conservation & Recreation properties in order to advise managers about mowing regimes.
Contact [email protected] if you are interested in helping.
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WHAT
Central Massachusetts hosts hundreds of acres of open grasslands and the birds that need them for nesting and foraging habitat. Included in this suite of birds are declining species such as Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink, and American Kestrel. We are observing and monitoring open pastures and hayfields in order to gather information about our local populations and advocating for their protection. Our goal is to educate landowners about habitat needs, bird protection, and related land-management strategies.
WHY
State of the Birds 2014, a comprehensive
study of U.S. bird trends published by the U.S. Committee of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI), a 23-member partnership of government agencies, universities, and conservation groups notes a decline in breeding birds like Eastern Meadowlark and Bobolink of nearly 40 percent since 1968. While this negative trend appears to have leveled off in some parts of the country, these species are “not out of the woods” here in New England. “The good news in this report is that it’s clear that bird conservation programs work,” said Steve Holmer, Senior Policy Advisor at American Bird Conservancy, thus the arrest of some declines. HWRNC is trying to help with grassland bird conservation efforts close to home.
One serious concern locally is the predominance of “population sinks,” habitats which attract birds due to ecological features that are ideal for raising families, but instead become deadly and lead to the destruction of nests and young. Such is the case with Bobolinks and Eastern Meadowlarks, birds that conceal their nests low in grassy—in the case of meadowlarks, also wet---hayfields. It is common for hay mowing to take place while young birds are still being fed in the nest. Bobolinks will not attempt re-nesting when this occurs. This contributes to the decline in their numbers.
We support bird-friendly land management practices. Declining grassland bird species are not found in all available hayfields, nor do they necessarily utilize all sections of all hayfields. Thus we feel that grassland bird protection need not be cited as a major “interference” with profitable hay production. We have observed circumstances in which hayfield management and bird protection can co-exist, and we expect future study will support this observation
HOW
WRNC is gathering population data and watching Bobolinks and meadowlarks, as well as any kestrels we might find, during the nesting season at certain grasslands and fields in central Massachusetts. We are targeting certain “areas of conservation interest,” i.e. grassland areas that are of a large-enough size and/or demonstrate other features that are attractive to these species.
We are concentrating our efforts on publicly-owned parcels. Assuming that hay profit is not the chief objective on these parcels (which unfortunately is not always the case), managers of multi-use state- and town-owned properties have the opportunity to incorporate bird-friendly mowing practices into their land use plans.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED!
We are currently seeking volunteers to monitor several large grassland parcels in Hubbardston, Rutland, and Paxton. We need people to make careful observations and document behaviors for 1-2 hour periods two or more times per month from mid-May through August. In addition, we’ll be identifying specific locations of Bobolinks and other grassland bird nests on Department of Conservation & Recreation properties in order to advise managers about mowing regimes.
Contact [email protected] if you are interested in helping.
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In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, non-mechanized haying on or after July 4th allowed more grassland bird species to nest successfully. It's easy to see from these photographs why the impact on wildlife in general was minimized when haying was less intense and less frequent.
From About the Farm: An Illustrated Description of the New Boston Dairy and Other Industries at Valley View, Muzzey, and Hutchinson Farms, Which are a Part of the Supply Department of Young's Hotel, Parker House, and Hotel Touraine, J.R. Whipple Company, Boston, 1910
Eastern Meadowlark Barry Van Dusen
2017 GRASSLAND BIRD REPORT
Extensive spring rainfall resulted in sorely-needed replenishment of the area's aquifers and reservoirs. The wet spring also had an impact on haying dates, with the soil in some fields too wet to support haying equipment and/or frequent rains preventing grasses from drying out and staying dry for mowing. Nevertheless, Bobolinks, Red-winged Blackbirds, and other species that use tall grassy areas for nesting in towns with high levels of agricultural activity could not escape mid-season nest destruction. With ample resources and the ability to commence haying on short notice, many central MA farmers managed to make their first cut of hay during a very small window of time in mid-June, which of course destroys nests and young.
During the 2017 season, volunteers made observations at Mt. Jefferson Conservation Area and monitored the activity in the fields of Moore State Park, Paxton.
MT. JEFFERSON CONSERVATION AREA, HUBBARDSTON
In April, a letter advocating for a bird-friendly plan for the conservation area, along with many suggestions for setting up a plan, was sent to Hubbardston's Open Space Committee. The letter was sent by WRNC, MassAudubon, and Mass Wildlife's State Ornithologist. Click here to view the letter.
During the 2017 season, volunteers made observations at Mt. Jefferson Conservation Area and monitored the activity in the fields of Moore State Park, Paxton.
MT. JEFFERSON CONSERVATION AREA, HUBBARDSTON
In April, a letter advocating for a bird-friendly plan for the conservation area, along with many suggestions for setting up a plan, was sent to Hubbardston's Open Space Committee. The letter was sent by WRNC, MassAudubon, and Mass Wildlife's State Ornithologist. Click here to view the letter.
In an interesting twist resulting from plans for the Town's 250th anniversary, the Bobolinks at Mt. Jefferson Conservation Area got some additional attention. The Open Space Committee objected vehemently to plans for a mid-June fireworks display at the property and invoked Bobolink nesting as the reason the fields should not be cut in June. This was ironic since mowing of most of the fields in June--all except Field # 5-- if it suits the farmer, has never been restricted. An article in The Gardner News on 25 May describes the controversy and refers to Bobolinks. Club advocate and organizer W. Howes submitted a Letter to the Editor which appeared on 12 June.
This season, as in most years, the majority of Bobolinks pairs used Field #5 in conjunction with Fields # 2, 6 and 7. It should be noted, once again, that the Bobolinks seem to perceive both sides of Mt. Jefferson Road as being one large, contiguous parcel for the purpose of breeding habitat. Male Bobolinks sing and perform courtship displays in Field # 2/6--next to the kiosk (on the same side as the picnic tables) as well as the segment--#7--on the side of the road opposite from the picnic tables, and females are seen dropping into the tall grass in Fields # 6 and 7. More than a dozen pairs of Bobolinks were present on 9 June in this area. At least one pair was using Field # 3. No Bobolinks were detected in Field # 1 this year.
No Savannah Sparrows were found this year.
Due to the water-retentive nature of the soils at this site and the high rainfall, it was no surprise to volunteers to find only Fields # 2, 6 & 7 mowed on 11 July. However, as noted above, these fields (most years these are mowed before all others) are part of the most-utilized section of the property for Bobolink nesting. Depending upon the date of the mowing, up to 2-4 nests could be lost in these sections. Again, WRNC recommends consideration of these segments as being part of Field # 5. Field #5 is subject to the delayed-mowing date of 1 July. It is fortunate when mowing is delayed here at least beyond mid-July for whatever reason, since July 1st cutting is still too early to protect Bobolinks and their young.
On 20 July the Open Space Committee sent a letter responding to the April advocacy letter. There appears to be an inaccuracy in the reference to a policy of delayed haying on "only two contiguous . . .fields that are close to large enough to support Bobolink nesting . . . " It is unclear which two contiguous fields are meant. Certainly Fields # 5 and 7 are contiguous, but only # 5 has been subject to the delayed date. WRNC has no knowledge of any field other than Field # 5 being subject to the July 1st restriction. And, as observed in many years, Bobolinks use fields other than Field # 5. It is unknown whether Open Space Committee members have themselves studied or observed the bird life at Mt. Jefferson Conservation Area or have access to "on-the-ground" ecological and life history information about the birds and other wildlife there. Several years ago, MassAudubon's Grassland Birds program offered to do a grassland bird study of the area, at no charge, but the offer was refused by the OSC.
This season, as in most years, the majority of Bobolinks pairs used Field #5 in conjunction with Fields # 2, 6 and 7. It should be noted, once again, that the Bobolinks seem to perceive both sides of Mt. Jefferson Road as being one large, contiguous parcel for the purpose of breeding habitat. Male Bobolinks sing and perform courtship displays in Field # 2/6--next to the kiosk (on the same side as the picnic tables) as well as the segment--#7--on the side of the road opposite from the picnic tables, and females are seen dropping into the tall grass in Fields # 6 and 7. More than a dozen pairs of Bobolinks were present on 9 June in this area. At least one pair was using Field # 3. No Bobolinks were detected in Field # 1 this year.
No Savannah Sparrows were found this year.
Due to the water-retentive nature of the soils at this site and the high rainfall, it was no surprise to volunteers to find only Fields # 2, 6 & 7 mowed on 11 July. However, as noted above, these fields (most years these are mowed before all others) are part of the most-utilized section of the property for Bobolink nesting. Depending upon the date of the mowing, up to 2-4 nests could be lost in these sections. Again, WRNC recommends consideration of these segments as being part of Field # 5. Field #5 is subject to the delayed-mowing date of 1 July. It is fortunate when mowing is delayed here at least beyond mid-July for whatever reason, since July 1st cutting is still too early to protect Bobolinks and their young.
On 20 July the Open Space Committee sent a letter responding to the April advocacy letter. There appears to be an inaccuracy in the reference to a policy of delayed haying on "only two contiguous . . .fields that are close to large enough to support Bobolink nesting . . . " It is unclear which two contiguous fields are meant. Certainly Fields # 5 and 7 are contiguous, but only # 5 has been subject to the delayed date. WRNC has no knowledge of any field other than Field # 5 being subject to the July 1st restriction. And, as observed in many years, Bobolinks use fields other than Field # 5. It is unknown whether Open Space Committee members have themselves studied or observed the bird life at Mt. Jefferson Conservation Area or have access to "on-the-ground" ecological and life history information about the birds and other wildlife there. Several years ago, MassAudubon's Grassland Birds program offered to do a grassland bird study of the area, at no charge, but the offer was refused by the OSC.
2018 & 2019 Bobolink survey reports are in progress and will be uploaded soon!