Delay mowing to protect grassland birds
June 9, 2023 | By Vermont Fish and WildlifeLandowners with fields can help protect grassland birds such as bobolinks by delaying mowing until August. At left is a male bobolink; a female is on the right. Vt. Fish & Wildlife photos by John Hall
Bobolinks, Savannah sparrows and eastern meadowlarks enrich our summers with their songs, but their populations have suffered dramatic, long-term declines due to the loss of their grassland habitat.
“These species have experienced declines across the continent, but on Vermont’s grasslands, especially in larger fields and more open landscapes, there are ways we can help,” said Rosalind Renfrew, biologist for the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.
Landowners can make a difference by altering the times of year they mow fields. Fish & Wildlife Department officials encourage landowners to help these well-loved species by waiting to mow fields used by grassland birds, giving them a chance to rear their young.
“People maintain open, grassy fields in Vermont for a variety of reasons, from producing hay to providing pasture for grazing, to simply maintaining scenic beauty,” Renfrew said. “Mowing or brush-hogging are the most common ways Vermonters maintain a grass landscape. For those who can afford it, mowing schedules can be timed to allow grassland birds to successfully raise chicks."
Bobolinks, savannah sparrows and eastern meadowlarks build nests right on the ground, among the grasses and wildflowers. Deer fawns, wild turkey chicks and other animals also take refuge in grass fields.
According to Renfrew, landowners who do not need to mow for animal forage can accommodate nesting birds by cutting late in the summer, preferably after Aug. 1.
People concerned about invasive plants may choose to sometimes mow a section of their field more frequently, to keep invasive plants in check. “It can mean temporarily sacrificing part of the field,” says Renfrew, “but it can better maintain quality habitat for the birds over the long term.”
Landowners who face a loss of income from delayed mowing can apply for assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service or The Bobolink Project.