A regional partnership of four conservation districts in Vermont and New Hampshire is working to increase nesting success for grassland birds in the Connecticut River Valley by offering support and financial assistance to farmers and landowners who manage hayfields.
The Connecticut River Valley Grassland Bird Project is a collaboration among the Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District, Cheshire County Conservation District, Ottauquechee Natural Resources Conservation District and Sullivan County Conservation District.
The program provides information, technical support and financial incentives to encourage haying practices that protect ground-nesting birds such as bobolinks, eastern meadowlarks and grasshopper sparrows.
According to the project, grassland bird species are declining faster than any other group of birds in New England as farmers mow fields earlier and more frequently to meet economic demands.
Eastern meadowlarks have lost more than 95% of their population over the last 50 years, while bobolinks have declined by 60% to 75% during the same period, according to project organizers.
Project officials recommend delaying the first hay cut until after July 15 to allow young birds time to fledge. Another recommended approach is to cut fields before May 20 and then wait 65 days before mowing again.
The partnership also encourages farmers to mow fields from the center outward or toward unmowed areas to give birds a chance to escape. Organizers advise against mowing after sunset, when birds are more vulnerable while roosting.
The project conducts site visits to document bird populations and monitor nesting progress so fields can be cleared for mowing as soon as young birds have fledged.
Funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation allows the program to offer technical assistance and financial compensation to offset losses associated with delayed mowing or grazing.
Farmers and landowners interested in participating can contact Seasonal Avian Technician Kate McKay at mckay.wcnrcd@gmail.com or 802-380-3848.
